Barcelona to rival Real Madrid and Bayern for Gravenberch
Robin Bairner
- 24 Feb 2022 13:31 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona have their eyes set upon Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch as a summer transfer target, according to reports in Spain.
Barca face a stern challenge to capture the Netherlands international star, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also said to be interested in his services.
The Camp Nou club, meanwhile, want to reinforce their midfield, where Sergio Busquets is an aging force in the heart of the pitch.
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Mundo Deportivo states that Barcelona are still interested in 19-year-old, who has been a player they have been tracking since his youth days at Ajax. Indeed, the teenager was even on the shortlist of players who Ronald Koeman wanted to act as the long-term replacement for Busquets.
Although Frenkie de Jong and Nico are players who could step into the boots of the Spain international midfielder, who Barcelona feel will need replaced sooner rather than later, they have not ruled out the possibility of signing from elsewhere.
Gravenberch is already a physically imposing player who has close to 100 senior games with Ajax under his belt, plus 10 more with the Netherlands international team. Furthermore, he is a player who already boasts Champions League experience.
Who else wants to sign Gravenberch?
His characteristics, though, mean that he is attracting envious glances from elsewhere.
Real Madrid are similarly wanting to rejuvenate their midfield in the months ahead, and while they have been linked with a possible move for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, Gravenberch is similarly a player on their shortlist.
With Madrid also chasing Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, it would be little trouble for them to enquire over the status of Gravenberch given the players share Mino Raiola as their agent.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are also on the hunt for additional strength in the heart of the field and could turn their attentions to the teenager.
Gravenberch, meanwhile, does not seem in a rush to leave.
Speaking earlier this season, he said: “I don't know if I'll go this summer. What I am sure of is that I will not leave Ajax if they do not receive anything in return. Ajax has always treated me well and I owe this club a lot.”
At present, it is a three-way battle between Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern for Gravenberch in the summer.
