Dutch U-21 midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, whom Jurgen Klopp is madly in love with and has been trying to acquire since his days at Ajax. Last summer, despite interest from Liverpool, he decided to move to Bayern Munich and challenge in the Bundesliga.
His journey with the German champions was difficult and he was unable to secure regular playing time. During this summer’s transfer window, Liverpool and Manchester United tried to acquire him, but initially refused to release him as unsaleable.
However, Bayern changed their attitude as the transfer deadline approached. While Bayern made every effort to acquire João Palhinha as a replacement, the Dutch U-21 midfielder made the move to Liverpool, a move he had long wanted. Ultimately, they failed to acquire the Portuguese midfielder, but gave the go-ahead to sell him.
In the background of this transfer drama, Bayern had other ideas. According to the international media outlet the Athletic, manager Thomas Tuchel, who likes Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, was looking to trade him for the player and Gravenberch.
Manchester United, led by Eric ten Huff, who was in charge during his time at Ajax, was also in the market for his former pupil. With Mason Mount, the team added depth to their midfield by acquiring Sofyan Amrabat in the final stages of the transfer window.
With Klopp believing in the player’s ability, it is safe to say that Liverpool, at the right time to transform into a new midfield, would have found Anfield a more ideal place with Bruno Fernandez as an absolute starter and less competition for places with experienced players such as Mount and Christian Eriksen. It is safe to say that it was the place to be.
How will the 21-year-old midfielder, who has made the move to Liverpool after a long and tortuous journey, fare in his first Premier League season…?