Real Madrid have reportedly opened discussions to sign 19-year-old Dutch whizkid Ryan Gravenberch, a target for Liverpool, next summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Ryan Gravenberch is quickly becoming a key target for Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are exploring the possibility of signing the 19-year-old Ajax prodigy in next summer’s transfer window and have already established contact with his agent Mino Raiola.
Ryan Gravenberch joined the fabled Ajax academy as an eight-year-old in 2010 and has since come a long way. The Dutch whizkid broke into the first-team squad three years ago, aged just 16, after making swift progress in the youth setup at the club. At the same time, the youngster has also established a foothold in Netherlands’ national side.
To date, the 19-year-old has turned out 86 times for Ajax while chipping in with ten goals and ten assists along the way. Gravenberch’s progress at the Dutch club has not gone unnoticed, and the teenage prodigy has popped up on the radars of several big-name clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid and Liverpool.
The interest from Real Madrid is understandable, considering Luka Modric is in the twilight of his storied career. In addition, Toni Kroos is approaching the final phase of his playing days, while Casemiro will turn 30 next year. So, it behoves Real Madrid to invest in a young midfielder who can combine seamlessly with Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde to create a long-term midfield core.
The Spanish giants have now stepped up their efforts to snap up the 19-year-old Dutch whizkid, initiating talks with his agent Mino Raiola. However, Real Madrid will be facing stiff competition from Liverpool in the race to sign Gravenberch in next summer’s transfer window.
Recent reports have claimed that the Reds are ready to offer €50 million to snap up the Ajax star next summer. Liverpool’s keenness to sign Gravenberch makes a world of sense, considering James Milner is being phased out of the first-team picture, while Jordan Henderson is on the wrong side of 30.
While Liverpool could launch the offensive for Gravenberch next summer, Real Madrid might not lodge an offer if his valuation exceeds their budget. The Merengues are staring at a big transfer window that could see them bring in several players to complete a squad overhaul. So, it remains to be seen Real Madrid will submit a bid to sign Gravenberch next summer or if Liverpool swoop him away instead.