Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp played a key role in Liverpool’s deal to sign Ryan Gravenberch ahead of Manchester United.
The Reds are set to complete a £34million deal to sign the box-to-box midfielder from Bayern, finishing a huge summer in the transfer market.
The 21-year-old left Ajax for Bayern Munich last summer with clubs in the Premier League eagerly monitoring his progress with a view to a move of their own for the Eredevisie’s youngest-ever debutant.
Liverpool’s need for midfield reinforcements was expected, but not on the scale that has transpired after losing Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
As far as Gravenberch is concerned, the club’s interest has been long-running.
The Dutch starlet has been on the radar of Liverpool for many months, having been working on the deal since April this year – a time in which the Reds were still considering a move for Jude Bellingham.
Jurgen Klopp made it clear that Gravenberch was a top target, delivering a powerful pitch to the midfielder and pulling no punches as they tempted him to the club on a long-term deal.
Manchester United were also keen and made a late approach, however it was only ever Liverpool that Gravenberch was interested in.
The challenge for the Dutch international will now be fulfilling his undoubted potential and become a key performer for Klopp’s side in a new-look young and exciting Liverpool team.
