With a shortage of staff in the midfield, Liverpool are urgently looking for more factors to supplement the tough season ahead.
According to reports from MailSport, Liverpool has engaged in more “positive” discussions with Bayern Munich’s midfielder, Ryan Gravenberch (via @iMiaSanMia). Gravenberch, who moved from AFC Ajax last summer, has struggled to secure a regular spot under both Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich. Consequently, he is now considering a move away from the club before the close of this summer’s transfer window.
It’s no secret that Jurgen Klopp has expressed interest in Gravenberch, with links to the Merseyside club persisting throughout the summer. However, it has become increasingly evident that the 21-year-old does not fit into Tuchel’s plans. In Bayern Munich’s midfield hierarchy, players like Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Konrad Laimer are ahead of him, and Jamal Musiala can also fill in as a central midfielder if needed, potentially limiting Gravenberch’s playing time this season.
Liverpool, too, offers stiff competition for places, especially since Klopp has already brought in Alexis Mac Allister (from Brighton and Hove Albion), Dominik Szoboszlai (from RB Leipzig), and Waturo Endo (from VfB Stuttgart) this summer to replace the departures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Like Endo, Gravenberch can operate as a defensive midfielder, a position Klopp is keen to strengthen, especially considering Mac Allister’s apparent isolation in his initial Premier League appearances as a CDM against Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth. The signing of Endo indicates Klopp’s desire to bolster defensive depth in midfield, given the attacking tendencies of Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, it ultimately falls on Klopp to persuade Gravenberch of his potential role at Liverpool. The current squad already boasts a decent depth in that position, but depth is crucial in the English calendar, given the multitude of domestic cup competitions and Europa League matches. Juggling Thursday and Sunday fixtures will undoubtedly take a toll on Klopp’s squad once European competitions kick off.
