Ryan Gravenberch has made it clear that he is growing increasingly impatient with his situation at Bayern Munich.
The 20-year-old only joined the German champions last summer, but has struggled for gametime starting in just one Bundesliga game all season. Mirror Football understands Liverpool are tracking the midfielder and have already held talks with the player’s agent and his father.
There is believed to be a mutual interest in making the switch to the Premier League, with Jurgen Klopp desperate for reinforcements in the middle of the park for next season. Gravenberch comes with an impressive pedigree, having scooped the prestigious Johan Cruyff Award - given to the most talented player in Holland, two years ago.
But his move to Bavaria has seen his promising career hit a speed bump, after his lack of opportunities saw him miss out on the Netherlands World Cup squad. And Gravenberch has now gone public with his frustrations, revealing that his role has to change in the coming months.
He told VI: “In the beginning, of course, I had to get used to it here. A new environment. Everything goes so much faster, sometimes training sessions just felt like competitions. But I feel that getting used to it has been behind me for a while now.”
Gravenberch added: “Training and playing at the top level for a year is beautiful and instructive. Although playing, it is mainly training.
“That has to change next season, then I really want to play weekly again. I haven't spoken to the club management yet, so just wait and see what happens. But it is clear that this role does not match my expectations.”
Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Julian Nagelsmmann last month, has spoke in positive terms about the Dutch star and hinted his role could expand.
“I see his qualities in training,” Tuchel said, shortly after his appointment. “It’s hard to try things now. He’s training well. He’s a No.8 who can turn and dribble very well. Now it’s about being patient. It’s about fighting to be there.”
That hasn’t translated to any starts in the league yet, but changes could be on the way after Tuchel ripped into his exhausted squad following defeat to Mainz last time out. "We look drained," the ex-Chelsea boss admitted. "We look like a team that has already played 80 games this season."
Gravenberch will be eagerly awaiting whether their struggles grants him further chances to impress, before a decision is made on his long-term future. BILD reported that the central midfielder was unable to stifle his smile when asked about the rumour of him joining Klopp on Merseyside.
The Reds boss has been forced into somewhat of a transfer rethink after it became clear that fellow Bundesliga starlet Jude Bellingham was out of his price range. Klopp is expected to make a number of signings before the start of next season, with the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to leave on free transfers.
Gravenberch is currently on £100,000-a-week in Germany - after tax. That means Liverpool would have to give him a £200,000-a-week contract just to match those terms, but Mirror Football understands that won’t be an issue.
