With James Milner and Naby Keita leaving on free transfers, and Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who were expected to continue to play at Anfield this season, opting to play in Saudi Arabia, Liverpool has made a serious effort to strengthen its midfield.
They have acquired three players who have already shown their ability on the pitch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo, who made his debut from midfield against Bournemouth, but they are focusing on further reinforcements and are relentlessly pursuing Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
The former Ajax midfielder has always been Liverpool’s favorite to sign during this summer’s transfer window, but he is frustrated with his lack of opportunities and has been hinting at a possible move for some time.
Bayern have consistently expressed their hopes for his future, but Thomas Tuchel has closed off any possibility, according to Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
“Ryan Gravenberch: He wants to play regularly. But at the moment he’s the No. 4 in central midfield under Tuchel.”
“Understand that Liverpool & ManUtd will be the favorites for the player should Bayern give the green light to leave. But no verbal agreements yet.”
“Bayern bosses do not exclude that something can still happen with Gravenberch – until Deadline Day”
❗️Ryan #Gravenberch: He wants to play regularly. But at the moment he’s the No. 4 in central midfield under #Tuchel!
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 21, 2023
➡️ Understand that Liverpool & ManUtd will be the favorites for the player should Bayern give the green light to leave. But no verbal agreements yet. #LFC |… pic.twitter.com/YGRjvrSqu9
During his time at Ajax, he was under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, who is now in charge of Manchester United, and has an advantage in terms of relationships.
However, a move to either club does not guarantee regular playing time, and he will face competition from world-class players.
It would seem that Liverpool should prioritize a defensive midfielder over a central midfielder, but what will happen…?