Klopp in dreamland as Liverpool beat Man Utd to €45m midfielder; reason Reds were chosen revealed
New Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who has also been linked with Manchester United.
It’s no secret that Jurgen Klopp has been looking to bring in another midfielder before the window closes and the manager has finally got his wish.
Gravenberch signed for Bayern from Ajax last summer after putting in some excellent performances for the Dutch club. However, he has struggled for consistent playing time and his development has suffered as a result.
He has made 34 appearances overall for the Bundesliga giants, but the majority of them have seen him come off the bench.
A host of European clubs have been queuing up to sign the 21-year-old this summer. As mentioned, Man Utd have been linked with Gravenberch this summer, but Liverpool have always seemed to be one step ahead of them in the race.
The Red Devils have also made Sofyan Amrabat their main target, despite asking to be kept informed on Gravenberch’s situation. This has given Liverpool an almost free run at signing the midfielder.
Bayern are also thought to be close to signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, which has helped Liverpool agree a deal for Gravenberch.
Klopp ‘crucial’ in Gravenberch deal
According to reputed transfer journalist David Ornstein, Liverpool are set to sign Gravenberch on a long-term contract, for a fee of €40m (approx. £34.3m.)
On Twitter, Ornstein wrote: “Liverpool have reached agreement with Bayern Munich to sign Ryan Gravenberch. Fixed fee €40m. Netherlands international to join on long-term contract.
“The 21-year-old flying to Liverpool this evening before taking his medical on Friday.”
A second report from German journalist Florian Plettenberg has also revealed that Klopp has spoken to Gravenberch, and he was ‘crucial’ in convincing him to make the switch to Anfield.
Plettenberg adds that Liverpool will pay an extra €5m in add-ons to Bayern on top of the agreed €40m fee.
The acquisition of Gravenberch gives Klopp another quality option in midfield. Liverpool have parted ways with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since last season.
Now, barring any last minute twists, their options consist of Harvey Elliot, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajetic, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago, Dominik Szoboszlai and Gravenberch.
This gives Klopp a mostly young, yet solid mix of midfielders to choose from this season. Gravenberch will also get the opportunity to play consistent first-team football for the first time since leaving Ajax, so it’s a great move for him too.
With a fee with Bayern agreed and his new contract already finalised, Gravenberch’s move to Liverpool will be made official tomorrow, as long as he passes his medical.
