Liverpool has officially registered their interest in Bayern Munich’s Dutch International Midfielder, Ryan Gravenberch, with talks still ongoing for Crystal Palace star, Cheick Doucoure, not over.
Liverpool enjoyed a positive end to the week, in terms of transfers, when concluding a £16 million deal for 30-year-old defensive midfielder, Wataru Endo, from VfB Stuttgart. It had been a frustrating time for the Merseysiders, having seen two targets, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, making their way to the blue side of London. These two deals were uncharacteristically played out in the public domain, resulting in a very public failure concluding the deals. However, normal service was resumed with the unexpected signing of the Japan International.
The midfield has been an ongoing problem for Liverpool. This was an issue the club felt they had addressed with the much-celebrated signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and Red Bull Leipzig, respectively. This changed when Saudi Arabia wanted to flex its financial might and invest in their Football League, this resulted in the unplanned loss of Club captain, Jordan Henderson, and Brazilian star Fabinho. Liverpool were now in uncomfortable territory, a club accustomed to thoroughly planning each window, far in advance of time. A reaction was needed, is needed and the club.
It is our understanding that Liverpool, following extensive talks with the player's representatives, have officially declared an interest in Dutch International, Ryan Gravenberch. Interest is described as long-standing, with the Reds believed to have met with his representatives earlier this year and have since been awaiting developments of discussions between the Netherlands international and Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, who was only appointed in late March.
The 21-year-old has wanted assurances over his playing time in Bavaria, which has seemingly irritated a few members of the club's hierarchy, seeing a relatively unanimous “not for sale” stand, change to a more split view. It is understood that Anfield is a place that motivates Gravenberch with the player keen to accept the challenge of Premier League Football, however, it remains to be seen how affordable he would be, with suggested interest from Manchester Utd, potentially creating a bidding war scenario. Liverpool, whilst showing their hand financially in the Caicedo deal, will be looking for a balanced cost vs value argument.
Standing at 6ft 3”, Gravenberch is an imposing figure in the middle of the park, with a wonderful ability to carry the ball. A fantastic eye for a pass, be it long or short in range and is fantastic in his bursts into the box with or without the ball. Liverpool could see the Dutchman as a multi-functional midfielder, given his physicality and ability to read the game, and could even offer cover in the 6 position, should he be required.
It has today been reported by James Pearce of The Athletic, that Liverpool will not look to further bolster the number 6 position, following the acquisition of Endo, citing Bajcetic as suitable cover, in the event of the new number 3’s absence. However, we at HL Division Sports, understand that talks have been held and continue with the representatives of Cheick Doucoure, however, no official approach has been made to Crystal Palace. Again, Doucoure would be seen as a more defensive signing, however, he is far more than just a Defensive midfielder, as his time at Lens would testify, perhaps explaning Liverpool's interest remaining, following Endo's arrival. It is understood that Doucoure and his representatives are keen on a move coming to fruition, but have a deep respect for his current employers, with Chairman Steve Parish reluctant to sanction any deal this late in the window, without suitable quality coming in to replace the Malian. Liverpool have not spoken directly with Palace to date, with Steve Parish’s involvement being solely with Doucoure and his team.
Jamie Brown
(@Jrb Scribbles)
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