The newest summer addition for Liverpool is expected to be Ryan Gravenberch, a Dutchman with “really interesting skillset” who will join Anfield.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich are in discussions over a last-minute transfer for Gravenberch, a player they have been following since his breakthrough at Ajax.
Having been given an indication that the midfielder would join earlier in the year, the Reds have bided their time as Thomas Tuchel mulled over his decision.
Now, Gravenberch is due to depart the Allianz Arena and, despite competition from Man United, Liverpool are seen as favourites for a deal that could be as low as £25.8 million.
The 21-year-old struggled to settle at Bayern, having joined from Ajax a year ago, but Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard believes there is “definitely something there” in Gravenberch.
“There are lots of players who look good in the Eredivisie and good for Ajax that don’t necessarily make that leap,”.
“But I think there’s still a feeling that he has a really interesting skillset.
“We know that he can score beautiful goals. He’s incredibly skilled at dodging the press and weaving his way through tackles.
“There must be something there, then. Additionally, he is still very, very young, so it would be premature to pass judgment on him.
Gravenberch only turned 21 in May, as Hatchard says, so despite a challenging campaign in Bavaria, there is no reason to write him off.
He continued, “You look at Bayern, he was involved in nearly every game yet he scarcely started any.
“Given that it’s one of the largest clubs in Europe, that makes sense. There is a lot of depth in the midfield position, as seen by the presence of Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich on their roster.
So, despite coming from Ajax, I don’t think it was realistic to expect him to start every game.
I believe it was reasonable to expect that, after moving from Ajax, he would be a regular starter.
When he played for Bayern last season, Gravenberch only started six of his 33 games, and so far this season, he has only appeared in one game for a total of nine minutes.
Under Tuchel, it is evident that he is no longer in the starting lineup, but as Liverpool consider a transfer, his unrealized potential may seem like a steal.
