For those looking for a football fix while they wait for the start of the next Premier League season – the UEFA Under-21 Euros are underway in Romania and Georgia. Several of Liverpool’s mooted transfer targets – such as Khéphren Thuram and Manu Koné – will be taking to the pitch, as will Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones, who have been selected by England.
Netherlands midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is another player linked with a move to Anfield. Gravenberch recently gave an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf in which he bemoaned a lack of first-team minutes at his club side Bayern Munich. Back in March, former Red José Enrique was very positive about the chances of a transfer between the two clubs taking place this summer.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight show, we asked experienced LFC journalist Neil Jones for his take on the rumours.
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Neil said:
“I think it’s clear that he wants to leave Bayern. I think it’s obvious. I think the question is obviously what the price will be. I think Bayern would sell as well.
“It’s not one that you put all your eggs in, wait all summer for them to become available and then finally we get Gravenberch over the line in August or the end of the transfer window. I don’t think he’s that game-changer of a player.
“I think it’s more if there’s a deal to be done quite early in the window – let’s get it done.
“I don’t think Liverpool would forego other targets and really let the saga drag on into the preseason and beyond for someone like Gravenberch. if the deal is to be done, I think it needs to be done pretty soon.
“I’m quite on board with Gravenberch as a signing. A player who’s got a good mix of technique, physicality, and size, he’s young.
“He’s got something to prove. He’s got a bit of resentment maybe harbouring. I think all those ingredients make a pretty interesting Jürgen Klopp kind of player.
“I definitely think Gravenberch is one that we should be keeping an eye on.”
Redmen Reacts
The possible signing of Gravenberch feels like an opportunity to pick up a potential talent at a reasonable price. There are parallels with the signing of Phillipe Coutinho just over a decade ago – a talented youngster, tipped for big things, who is struggling to break into the first-team at a European giant. Other great Dutch players such as Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder were only able to express their true ability after a change of scenery. The 21-year-old could be blooded initially in the Europa League and against weaker Premier League opposition. The next generation of Liverpool’s midfield need to be ready to take the baton from Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago. If Gravenberch plays his cards right, he could become a star at the club within a few seasons. Yet another reason to keep an eye on this summer’s under-21 Euros!
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