Ex-Bayern Munich star discusses 'incomprehensible' Ryan Gravenberch decision

Former Bayern Munich star Torsten Frings has questioned his old club's decision to sell Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool.

21-year-old Gravenberch became the Reds fourth midfield arrival of the summer, when he signed on Deadline Day in a £34m deal.

The 11-cap Netherlands international is one of the most highly rated young stars in European football, with Liverpool reportedly tracking him since his early days at Ajax.

However, Gravenberch failed to launch in his one year at Bayern Munich and made just three Bundesliga starts during the 2022/23 campaign, largely failing to displace experienced stars Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka for a central midfield berth.

Recent reports claim that Liverpool had put in the groundwork to convince Gravenberch of a switch to Merseyside back in April, but it remained unclear until very late in the summer transfer window whether Bayern would sanction a sale.

Ultimately, Gravenberch was allowed to depart – though Bayern failed to secure a replacement – and he became the Reds' final transfer of the window.

The Dutchman is being eased into his Liverpool career gradually and is yet to start a Premier League game. He has, however, already registered his first assist for the club, setting up Luis Diaz's goal in the 3-1 Europa League win over LASK.

Speaking to Sport1 about the German champions' decision to allow such a promising youngster to leave, ex-Bayern and Germany star Frings admitted the deal was 'incomprehensible' for a lot of people.

“It is incomprehensible to many that such a young talent, for whom they paid a lot of money, goes to Liverpool – for an unbelievable amount of money,” Frings said.

“But you also have to understand the coach to a certain extent. If a player doesn’t fit into the philosophy, it might make more sense to tell the player that and then let him decide whether he tries to assert himself or look for the opportunity at another club.”

Frings also added that Gravenberch found a "sensationally good club" in Liverpool.

Gravenerch could earn just his second Liverpool start in the Reds' Carabao Cup third round clash with Leicester on Wednesday night, with Jurgen Klopp expected to make widespread changes to his team.