Liverpool transfer twist as Bayern Munich make unexpected Gravenberch U-turn

Suraj Radia

• 17 Apr 2023 16:23 BST
• 2 min read

Liverpool have suffered a blow to their transfer plans this summer after being told that one of their top midfield targets is not for sale by Bayern Munich.

The Reds have been drawing up alternative options to strengthen in the middle of the park this summer after pulling out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham due to the Dortmund star’s high asking price.

Bellingham is expected to command a fee in excess of €100 million this summer and Liverpool feel that type of money is better spent on multiple players despite having built their transfer plans around the 19-year-old for the past two years.

'A FERRARI AT CHRISTMAS': Klopp makes Bellingham stance clear

However, Liverpool accept the need to significantly restructure their midfield after a disappointing season and Jurgen Klopp’s side had reportedly been lining up Bayern’s Ryan Gravenberch as a target this summer but the German outfit are set to keep hold of the youngster.

Gravenberch only joined Bayern last year from Ajax for an initial fee of €18.5m but the 20-year-old has struggled to make an impact in his debut season with the club, prompting speculation that he could be moved on this summer.

The Dutchman was believed to be ‘enthusiastic’ over a move to Anfield but Sky Sport Germany have claimed that Bayern have told Gravenberch that he will remain at the club this summer as they believe he will make his breakthrough in the team next year.

Liverpool returning to shortlist of midfield talent

Liverpool were reported by Sky Sports to have made ‘a strong pitch’ to Gravenberch and the player was receptive to the approach, having been frustrated at only making one Bundesliga start this season.

Liverpool had monitored Gravenberch prior to his move to Bayern and he featured on the club’s shortlist last summer, along with Bellingham, Nicolo Barella, Aurelien Tchouameni and Enzo Fernandez.

OPTIONS: Liverpool's midfield targets revealed

However, after missing out on Gravenberch, Fernandez and Tchouameni, as well as being told that Barella and Bellingham were unavailable, Liverpool opted to postpone permanently signing a midfielder, instead bringing in Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus on deadline day.

The decision backfired after Melo picked up a long-term injury within days of his arrival, leaving Liverpool to rely on an ageing midfield in desperate need of rejuvenation.

Bellingham has been earmarked as the club’s priority target for a number of years but Liverpool are now returning to former targets such as Gravenberch and Barella as they look to make up for a poor period of recruitment which has seen the team regress on the pitch.