Liverpool are not rushing to get a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, but, at the same time, are keeping close tabs on a number of central midfield options including Ajax teenage sensation Ryan Gravenberch, Goal’s Liverpool correspondent Neil Jones has claimed.
The names of Florian Neuhaus, Yves Bissouma and John McGinn have popped up recently as the potential transfer targets. But the talks have cooled down due to financial complications and the focus has now been shifted to the midfield prodigy who is enjoying his time with the Netherlands in the ongoing EURO 2020 competition.
Although the former Reds left fullback Jose Enrique has urged the club to opt for Renato Sanches, the high-flying Portuguese is not an active transfer target (as claimed by the Liverpool Echo). This makes Gravenberch a more realistic alternative even though the Merseysiders are not alone in this transfer hunt. According to Spanish publication Fichajes, Barcelona have made an approach as well after missing out on Wijnaldum (who joined PSG on a Bosman) despite advanced talks.
The 19-year-old progressed through the youth ranks of Ajax before breaking into their senior side back in 2018. He became the club’s youngest ever Eredivisie player at the age of 16 years and 130 days – a record held so long by iconic Clarence Seedorf following his debut in 1992 (aged 16 years and 242 days).
Why Gravenberch Would Be A Long-Term Wijnaldum Replacement
2020-21 proved to be the breakthrough campaign for Gravenberch who went on to feature 47 times across competitions. He has fired in 5 goals and laid on 6 more from the centre of the pitch, but the ‘number 8’ impressed with his box-to-box movements, vision, concentration and passing skills. Touted to be another high-profile talent of Ajax’s esteemed academy, the youngster is tipped to draw more attention if Holland make further progress in the ongoing European championship.
The Anfield giants are well equipped in the middle of the park but would still feel the absence of Wijnaldum who appeared 51 times last season before signing off. Skipper Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all endured persistent injury problems in the recent past, whereas it’s harsh to expect consistency from James Milner and Curtis Jones who are from opposite age spectrum. A move to Liverpool would see Gravenberch grow his game under Jurgen Klopp and eventually secure a regular status in the long run.
Having said that, any future deal is not supposed to be straightforward. The player is represented by super-agent Mino Raiola who would make things complicated for the English heavyweights. It is to be seen now how Michael Edwards plots his move in the coming days.
