New Liverpool midfielder explains why he made the switch to Anfield

Liverpool significantly overhauled their midfield this past summer transfer window in hopes of putting the club back on the right path in the Premier League. Former captain Jordan Henderson departed the club, while veteran Fabinho joined Al-Ittihad. Joining them, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita both departed on free transfers.

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai headlined Liverpool’s key incomings in the midfield, but there is another midfielder who’s enjoying his move to Anfield. After earning just three starts for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last season, it was clear Ryan Gravenberch was looking for a quick change of scenery. His move from Ajax to Bayern in the summer of 2022 was viewed as perhaps a step up too much despite his form in the Eredivisie.

Under both Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel, Gravenberch struggled to be a prominent figure with Bayern. The summer transfer window of 2023 provided the Dutchman with an opportunity to play elsewhere. In came the Reds with a bid of £34.3m that Bayern Munich accepted.

While Gravenberch is not a regular starter with Liverpool either, it’s been clear early on he plans to feature plenty under Jurgen Klopp. The 21-year-old midfielder recently scored his first goal with Liverpool in the Europa League against Union SG. Speaking recently about his move, Gravenberch revealed why exactly he joined Liverpool (Sky Sports via Fabrizio Romano).

"“Klopp was key for me to join Liverpool. I spoke to him before and he gave me a good feeling. He said to me: I want you. He gave me his plans and he explained everything, gave me such a good feeling that my decision was the first one.”"

Ryan Gravenberch was not called up this international break by the Netherlands, with national team manager Ronald Koeman stating he’s not played much for the Reds, and the player previously refused a U-21 call-up.