Liverpool continue to shape their midfield with the signing of Dutch International Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich on September 1st just before the transfer window closed. According to Sky Sports, the 5-year deal is worth €40 million.
“I'm very happy. Very happy that the deal is done and I'm finally here,” Gravenberch told Liverpoolfc.com during his introductory presser. “Now we start fresh again, a new start, and I'm going to give my all for this club. [My ambitions are] to win prizes. To win prizes, play a lot and show them who we are and who I am.”
Gravenberch spent one season for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, making 34 appearances and scoring a goal. It was at Dutch super-club Ajax where he made a name for himself, becoming the youngest player ever to make their debut for the team at age 16. During his Ajax career, Gravenberch scored 18 goals in 103 appearances. On the International team, he has played alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, earning 11 caps and scoring one goal for the Dutch.
Jürgen Klopp says that Gravenberch's experience at such a young age is just one of the many reasons the boss is happy to have him at Anfield.
“Really happy to bring him in because he's an exceptional talent,” Klopp said. “Everybody knows that. He is 21, played over 100 games for Ajax already. Ryan knows he has to improve things but that's with 21, it would be crazy if not. But he is super-talented, he can drive the ball, he can be really a box-to-box threat, he is going there. He has a good eye for a pass and a good pass. Really excited. It fits into our squad. I said before, we have a big challenge to reinvent pretty much one of the most successful midfielders this club ever had, and I really like it. When I look now at the team, it's a good football team, honestly. You can buy experienced players but experience you have to make together as a team and we will do that. Everything is good. We signed a really good player and now let's help him to get the best out of him.”
LFC Globe Verdict
I like this signing. Gravenberch is a strong young player who has lifted trophies for Ajax, a regular staple in the Champions League. He is versatile enough to push forward in attack or drop back into a more defensive posture if needed. Klopp says he will not be ready for the Aston Villa fixture on September 3rd, but that's okay. With the International break coming up after the match, Gravenberch will have plenty of time to acclimatize himself to the cub before the Reds return to the pitch for another fixture.