Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch will be making a move to Liverpool this summer, citing that the 21-year-old does not align with his tactical system at the club.
Liverpool have reached an agreement with Bayern for the transfer of Gravenberch, with the deal valued at £34.3m (€40m). Gravenberch is presently in Merseyside undergoing medical examinations, and if all proceeds as planned, he will sign a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
The Netherlands U-21 international has been linked with a move to Anfield since the beginning of the summer transfer window, as Jurgen Klopp seeks to bolster his midfield options for the upcoming season.
Gravenberch, who joined Bayern from Ajax last summer, finds himself fourth in the central midfield pecking order, trailing behind players such as Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Konrad Laimer.
His struggle to secure consistent playing time is evident, having started in just three matches and made substitute appearances in the rest. Despite this limited playing time, Gravenberch has made 33 appearances across various competitions, contributing to two goals.
Nevertheless, his role for the ongoing season remains uncertain. His recent substitute appearance against Augsburg suggests that he may not be guaranteed a more substantial role on the field.
Tuchel has shared insights into why Gravenberch struggled to secure more playing time during his stint in Germany.
“He’s an attacking player, I see him as an eight,” Tuchel told a press conference. “The main problem for him is that we don’t have that specific position at the moment.
“The competition is fierce in the offensive line, with three half-forwards and the ten. There are many players who have more competitive experience than Ryan. He struggles with this situation.
“In Liverpool, he sees an opportunity to fight for a spot as an eight in a 4-3-3 that comes closest to his qualities and his ideas.
“If a player expresses the desire to leave over a long period of time, then we will of course deal with it. Nothing is done yet, but the trend is clear.”
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