Liverpool are reportedly mulling over the possibility of making a late swoop for AFC Ajax midfield sensation Ryan Gravenberch this summer.
According to a report from the Liverpool ECHO, Liverpool are considering a late move to secure the signing of Netherlands midfielder Ryan Gravenberch as they look to bolster their midfield unit.
Gravenberch has been on Ajax’s books since 2010 and has made rapid strides through the youth ranks to establish himself as a first-team regular just at the age of 19. To date, the midfielder has made 64 senior appearances for the Dutch giants, bagging nine goals and seven assists in the process as well.
Gravenberch’s progress over the past year or so has alerted a lot of clubs across Europe, with Liverpool among those keeping a close watch on the 19-year-old this summer. Transfer activity has been dull at Anfield this summer, with there being no incomings following the early signing of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig to strengthen the defence.
The midfield department remains a concern considering that Georginio Wijnaldum left the club earlier this summer, to secure a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. Jurgen Klopp has decided to rely on Naby Keita in the first two matches of the season and the Guinean has done well so far, but his injury record is a matter of worry, as is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s.
Add to it, with James Milner not getting any younger and captain Jordan Henderson also having some fitness issues in the recent past, adding another option in the middle of the park would be a wise move, even though teenage starlet Harvey Elliott was used in midfield against Burnley last time out.
The report, however, indicates that Liverpool might not push to make a signing this summer and may wait till the next year to address the midfield department. But in case there was a change of mind, Gravenberch would be an option for the Merseysiders as they want to bring in someone young, who they could nurture and develop at the club.
Gravenberch, for his age, has shown great potential and quality already. The 19-year-old has also made seven appearances for the Netherlands national team, scoring one goal. And while he would be an asset for Liverpool for the present and the future, it is hard to see Ajax letting him go this late in the transfer window and the new season already underway.
Perhaps, a move next summer could suit Liverpool as well, as Gravenberch will then be entering the final year of his contract, making him potentially available in a cut-price deal.