Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch pledges future to club amid transfer talk

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch says he's happy at Anfield and wants to stay - despite speculation he could leave this summer.

The 22-year-old Dutchman showed flashes of real promise in starting 26 Premier League games following a big-money move from Bayern Munich last year. But in recent weeks he has been consistently linked with a transfer to Turkey this summer.

Gravenberch though says he has no intention of leaving Merseyside after just one season,

telling Dutch outlet AD

: “I hope to play here at Liverpool for years to come, it’s a top club.

“And soon a Dutch trainer with Arne Slot. I've never spoken to him, not even during my time as an Ajax player. But he is a trainer who likes attacking football. That should suit me, you would think. We will see.”

Gravenberch wants Euro 2024 place

Gravenberch moved to Merseyside in a bid to re-align his career after a breakout move from Ajax to Bayern went awry. 

He managed a total of 38 appearances for the Reds in his debut season, insisting he is happy with how things have progressed so far. 

His form has seen him included in the preliminary Netherlands squad for the upcoming European Championship, and the midfielder is hoping he has got plenty of energy in his legs ahead of the tournament this summer.

“That’s why I'm satisfied with my season at Liverpool," he said. “I wanted to make more minutes and I succeeded. I have played good matches, but also lesser ones.

“I'm not as tired as I am after a season where you've played everything. I haven't played everything. Can that freshness be an advantage? Well, I'm ready if you ask me. Anyway, first let's be part of the final selection.”

'I haven't booked a holiday yet!'

Gravenberch upset the Dutch national team boss Ronald Koeman after pulling out of under-21 duty last September in order to concentrate on his club career. 

Having been left out of the March internationals, Gravenberch is now back with the senior team after clear-the-air talks with the ex-Barcelona manager. 

Why did he withdraw from the under-21s in the first place?

“Because at that moment I thought it was necessary,” he now admits. “I had a conversation with Ronald Koeman and I think it is closed. It will no longer play a role, otherwise the national coach would not call me up. 

“I haven't booked a summer holiday yet. We will wait until the final selection. 

“It's been a long time since I was here. I don't even remember exactly when I last saw action. A minute against Belgium in September 2022? Go figure. 

“But I'm back, that's the most important thing. And I'm still the Ryan Gravenberch from back then. The qualities are the same. And I want to show that here."