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Thomas Tuchel explains why Ryan Gravenberch wants Liverpool transfer

Thomas Tuchel explains why Ryan Gravenberch wants Liverpool transfer

Andy Headspeath 01 Sep 2023, 14:47 Last modified: 01 Sep 2023

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Ryan Gravenberch 'wasn't happy' at Bayern Munich, as he closes in on his transfer to Liverpool.

The 21-year-old is expected to be announced as a Liverpool player on Friday, after the Reds agreed a £34m deal with Bayern for the former Ajax star.

Gravenberch will become Jurgen Klopp's fourth midfield addition of the summer window and represents the 'versatile' option the club have been searching for in recent weeks.

The Netherlands international has long been admired by Klopp and Liverpool and was on the club's watchlist before he moved to Bayern in 2022, with Melissa Reddy reporting that the Reds had identified him alongside Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni as a possible 'game-changer'.

Analysis on Ryan Gravenberch from April, when Liverpool started to really put this move in motion. Reminder: Before he opted to go to Bayern from Ajax, he was on the club's shortlist of 3 midfielders they felt could develop into game-changers. Other two: Bellingham, Tchouameni pic.twitter.com/CBooHkyi7d
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) August 31, 2023

Despite his obvious talent, things haven't panned out as expected for Gravenberch in Munich after his €18m (£15m) transfer last summer.

He started just three Bundesliga games in 2022/23 and cut a frustrated figure as a bit-parter under Julian Nagelsmann and Tuchel.

Though initially expected to stay at the German champions for 2023/24, Bayern changed stance late in the window to sanction a move.

Speaking at a Friday press conference, Tuchel outlined the reasons why Gravenberch has been allowed to leave just a year on from his arrival.

"The main problem for him is that we don't really play with a No. 8 in our 4-2-3-1 system," Tuchel told reporters. "And we're spoilt for choice up front, with really experienced players.

"Ryan is a very nice, hard-working, committed player. He wasn't happy with his situation. He sees the chance in Liverpool to fight for a place at number eight in a 4-3-3.

"He's wanted to go for a while. An offer came in and we discussed it. It's not done yet, but the outcome is clear.

Gravenberch – who is undergoing a medical ahead of his official announcement – will join fellow Netherlands internationals Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo at Anfield, and could make his debut for the Reds after the international break when Liverpool take on Wolves (16 September).