The much-anticipated Liverpool midfield renovation might start with a Bayern Munich player, according to a source. Jürgen Klopp is said to have demanded a deal.
Liverpool’s weak midfield has been their Achilles’ heel this season. Injuries have kept Thiago Alcantara out for most of the season, and Stefan Bajcetic has announced he will miss the rest of the season with an adductor problem.
Apart from this couple, the rest of Liverpool’s midfielders have all performed below expectations this season. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are two of the most egregious offenders in this respect.
According to The Athletic James Pearce, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will depart as free agents after the season.
Fabrizio Romano reported James Milner might also go, but Pearce stated Klopp is willing to keep his 37-year-old vice-captain for another year.
Even if Milner signs a new contract, Arthur Melo’s return to Juventus will increase the total number of midfield departures to three. The Reds will not use the buyout clause in the injury-prone Brazilian’s loan agreement.
Undoubtedly, fresh players are needed, and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is the major target.
In other news, Liverpool has received a big boost in their pursuit of Mason Mount as the Chelsea midfielder seized control of his transfer with a d.r.a.m.a.t.i.c move.
According to a Spanish source, Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch may be the first new midfielder to arrive.
Is Gravenberch the first in a long line?
Last summer, the 20-year-old moved from Ajax to Bayern for €24 million (around £20.5 million).
But, the 6ft 3 Dutchman has struggled thus far in the Bundesliga, making just one appearance.
Replacing players like Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in the engine room is becoming difficult. That’s something Marcel Sabitzer learned the hard way, as his failure to master the code led to a loan transfer to Manchester United in January.
According to the German publication Sport1, Liverpool is keeping a close eye on Gravenberch and feels he has untapped potential in Bavaria.
The Reds are said to have made contact with his representation, and it’s been suggested that despite buying Gravenberch less than a year ago, Bayern may be willing to sell.
Now, a story from Spain (via Goal) adds fuel to the fire. They allege Klopp has requested Liverpool to invite Gravenberch over.
The site mentions ‘advanced discussions,’ although it’s unclear if that’s their perspective or the impression they’re receiving from other sources.
In any event, a Gravenberch deal seems to be feasible for Liverpool, and although he may not be the most visible of signings, the reality is that Liverpool is in desperate need of numerous new faces, and not all of them can be £100 million players.
Gravenberch joined Bayern after a standout season at Amsterdam when he helped Erik ten Hag win the Eredivisie in his last season before taking over at Manchester United.
He hasn’t turned into a horrible player overnight after joining Bayern.
Liverpool is ready to buy Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich
Graveberch paid £15.5 million (€18 million) to relocate from Ajax to the Allianz Arena, with the total sum reaching £20.2 million (€23 million) with add-ons.
Despite his success in the Eredivisie, Gravenberch has struggled to establish himself in Germany.
Yet, with competition for slots fierce, the Dutch midfielder has made just 24 appearances this season, including 15 in the Bundesliga.
For that reason, prior coach Julian Nagelsmann seemed to dislike the 20-year-old, often benching him. Gravenberch appeared in fewer than 700 minutes of their performances as a consequence.
Unsurprisingly, Gravenberch is said to be pleased with the new coach, Thomas Tuchel, who was introduced as Bayern Munich’s new manager last week.
But, Sport1 believes a summer departure is still possible. They also claim that Bayern Munich is open to negotiating a deal for Gravenberch if Liverpool makes a bid.
Bayern is wanting a sum of approximately £25 million to consider his sale, implying that a transfer to Anfield is a ‘conceivable possibility’ for him.
