Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation of Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch intently, specifically in the form of Liverpool and Manchester United. Those two footballing powerhouses are particularly keen to boost their midfielder options, and the former Ajax man has been identified as a potential signing.
Gravenberch had been viewed as one of the top young prospects in the game, but he hasn't had the desired effect at Bayern Munich as many had anticipated. In fairness, he hasn't necessarily been a regular starter, and has had some injury issues, but there was a lengthy queue across Europe when he was at Ajax, and that queue looks to have formed once again.
At 21, Gravenberch should still has his best years in the game ahead of him, and after starting only three Bundesliga games since signing for the club in June 2022, he may feel as though he needs to move in search of more regular football. He certainly hasn't become a bad player overnight, and Liverpool and Man Utd certainly believe he could offer them something.
The Mirror has even reported that there is something of a tug-of-war between the two footballing giants as they wrestle over the signature of Gravenberch. Bayern value the player at £22million and won't entertain any offer below this. Therefore, Liverpool and Man Utd know exactly what they need to do if they want him. It is unclear which team the player would favour signing, although Man Utd are coached by fellow Dutchman, Erik ten Hag.
One other possibility would be to see Gravenberch exit on a loan deal. It could be that Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel views him as more of a long-term proposition and moving over to the Premier League for a season will do him no harm at all. Another question is if Gravenberch could command a regular spot under either ten Hag or Jurgen Klopp. If he wants to leave in search of more football, he'd obviously need to go somewhere he can achieve that.
Of course, there will surely be other clubs that have expressed an interest in a player such as Gravenberch, who is very comfortable in possession and breaks forward at speed. He has generally played in a midfield three inside a 4-3-3 formation, which is the system played at Liverpool, whereas Man Utd is more of a 4-2-3-1, with Bruno Fernandes in the number ten role.
It remains a case of watching this space with this one, but if Gravenberch is indeed set on a move to the Premier League then he has to be aware of the upcoming transfer deadline. He has been an unused substitute in Bayern's opening two games of the season, which may be a sign for him to seek a new challenge, such as the Premier League.
Whatever happens, the weekend of December 16th/17th could be a very interesting day for Gravenberch, which is when Liverpool welcomes Manchester United to Anfield in a mouthwatering Premier League clash. Which team, if any, will Gravenberch be playing this by this time?
