Liverpool complete Ryan Gravenberch signing from Bayern Munich
Liverpool have officially announced the signing of Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich.
The 21-year-old joins the Reds on a long-term contract, after Liverpool agreed an initial £40m (£34m) transfer fee with the German champions.
Long-known as a player admired by Jurgen Klopp and the club hierarchy, interest in Gravenberch ramped up this week after Bayern changed stance and became willing to part company with the midfielder.
Liverpool had been expected to move for a versatile midfield option in the final days of the summer transfer window and quickly agreed a fee with Bayern, once Gravenberch became available.
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The former Ajax star flew in for a medical on Friday morning and, despite eleventh-hour concerns about the deal's viability due to Bayern's inability to source a replacement before the transfer deadline passed, he has now been officially announced as a Liverpool player.
He will wear the number 38 shirt at Anfield.
āIām very happy. Very happy that the deal is done and Iām finally here,ā Gravenberch told Liverpoolfc.com.
āIf you see it from the outside, itās one of the biggest clubs in the world. Also the fans, the stadium, I think everything from the outside is top. So thatās why [it was the right club].
"Iām really looking forward to [being at Anfield] and I canāt wait to hear the Youāll Never Walk Alone song,
āNow we start fresh again, a new start, and Iām going to give my all for this club. [My ambitions are] to win prizes. To win prizes, play a lot and show them who we are and who I am.ā
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Gravenberch, who marks Liverpool's fourth midfield signing of the summer following the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo, is unlikely to be involved in the matchday squad for the Reds clash with Aston Villa at Anfield on Sunday.
The first chance fans get to see of the new arrival in action may come after the international break when the Reds travel to Wolves on 16 September.