Tag: Ryan Gravenberch

Zubimendi now ‘regrets’ Sociedad stay – but Liverpool fans make same joke

Martin Zubimendi reportedly ‘regrets’ staying at Real Sociedad, but some Liverpool fans think they already have a better midfield option.

Zubimendi emerged as a key transfer target for the Reds this summer, but he rejected a switch to Anfield to remain at Sociedad.

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Zubimendi appears to be unhappy at Sociedad after summer links with LiverpoolCredit: Getty

The LaLiga outfit informed the midfielder that he would have to pay his own £51million buyout clause, while it is claimed their manager Imanol Alguacil wooed him with a charm offensive to stay put in the Basque Country.

However, it now appears as though Zubimendi has had a change of heart amid Sociedad losing four of their first six league matches.

As reported by Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, English media have claimed that the 25-year-old ‘regrets’ staying at the club.

While Zubimendi stayed, Sociedad did cashed in on two of their other key players in the summer, with midfielder Mikel Merino signed by Arsenal and defender Robin Le Normand joining Atletico Madrid.

It is claimed Zubimendi now wants Liverpool to try and sign him again when the January transfer window opens.

The defensive midfielder had made 194 appearances for Sociedad, with nine goals and seven assists, and won Euro 2024 with Spain in the summer.

Despite his quality, Liverpool fans on social media have claimed that Ryan Gravenberch would still be a preferred choice even if Zubimendi signed.

Taking to X, one said: “Don’t think we need Zubimendi, Gravenberch has been outstanding this season.”

“Zubimendi does not get into this Liverpool team. No chance he gets in front of MacAllister or Gravenberch! Szoboszlai plays a completely different role, so he doesn’t get in ahead of him either. Zubimendi could be a great squad player,” added a second.

A third wrote: “If Zubimendi really wants to go to Liverpool and the club accept it, I hope he’s the second choice after Gravenberch.”

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Liverpool fans believe Gravenberch should still start even if Zubimendi signedCredit: Getty

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The 22-year-old has been one of the Reds’ standout players this season

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Liverpool fans are adamant Zubimendi wouldn’t even get in their starting Xi right nowCredit: X: LFC__Vision

Another said: “Gravenberch needs a back up and Zubimendi is a good fit. There’s a reason he’s a backup to Rodri in Spain. He could be that for Gravenberch too.”

Gravenberch has enjoyed an excellent start to life under fellow Dutchman Arne Slot at Liverpool this season, having started every game.

His performance in their 3-1 Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday night was rewarded with the Player of the Match award.

Adrian Durham rips into Arne Slots tactics after historic loss to Nottingham Forest

The Netherlands international has lined up alongside Alexis Mac Allister in the Liverpool midfield, a duo that are proving to work well together.

Should the Reds decide to reignite their interest in Zubimendi, he would add to the already stacked amount of talent in their squad.

However, it remains to be seen if he would be able to claim a spot in the starting XI, given how well they have played so far under their new boss.

Liverpool have impressed in every game so far this season aside from their surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, where Slot came under fire for his tactics and substitutions.

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September 19, 2024
Liverpool’s injury problems get WORSE as Gravenberch stretchered off in final

Liverpool overcame Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final – although it came at a cost in terms of injuries.

Ryan Gravenberch lasted just 25 minutes at Wembley before he was left in a heap following a crunching late challenge from Moises Caicedo.

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Gravenberch is the twelfth player now unavailable to KloppCredit: Getty

The 21-year-old’s ankle felt the full force of the Chelsea midfielder’s horror tackle and was unable to continue.

He was later seen on the Liverpool bench for the second half with crutches.

Gravenberch is now the twelfth senior player added to the Liverpool treatment room that left the club seriously depleted in the final, which they won thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s header late on in extra time.

Speaking about Gravenberch’s injury after the game: “They did an x-ray, it is not broken but the ligaments got something. I actually feel really bad, but everything else is really good.”

Meanwhile Wataru Endo, who played the duration of the 120 minutes was seen leaving Wembley on crutches.

Liverpool suffered four injuries during their 4-1 win over Brentford last weekend, with Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones both leaving the stadium on crutches.

The pair will now be sidelined for the foreseeable future, with Darwin Nunez also substituted at the break in west London.

Klopp confirmed the move was precautionary, but Nunez sat out the 4-1 win over Luton and the Carabao Cup final with a muscle issue.

Likewise Mohamed Salah – who was only making his return against Brentford from a hamstring injury – suffered a reoccurrence of the problem that has disrupted the Egyptian’s progress.

Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a key miss for Jurgen Klopp, having been substituted at half-time against Burnley at the start of February.

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Gravenberch added to Liverpool’s mounting injury woes

Alexander-Arnold was making just his second start since recovering from a knee injury before sustaining a similar setback.

Elsewhere in defence, Caoimhin Kelleher continues to deputise in goal with Alisson Becker nursing his second hamstring injury of the term.

Joel Matip and youngster Ben Doak are both long-term absentees with knee issues, but Dominik Szoboszlai is closing in on a return.

Fellow midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, is yet to play a single minute this year.

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Klopp could field a title-challenging team with his list of injuries

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February 25, 2024
Reds stunned by minnows in giant boilover; PL underdogs’ dream debut rolls on: Europa Wrap

A youthful Liverpool side lost 2-1 at Union Saint-Gilloise in their final Europa League group game on Thursday, while Villarreal snatched a place in the last 16 from Rennes with a dramatic victory in France.

Elsewhere Kemar Roofe’s winner sent Rangers into the Europa League last 16 with a 3-2 victory at Real Betis on Thursday, while Joao Pedro’s late strike helped Brighton sink Marseille.

Brighton avoided a Europa League knock-out round play-off in February with a tense 1-0 home win over Marseille in Group B.

Both teams had already secured top-two finishes, but the Seagulls needed a win to usurp OM at the top of the standings.

The Premier League side struggled to break down their visitors for long periods, but Pedro showed neat footwork in the box before drilling the ball into the top corner in the 88th minute to score his sixth goal in as many Europa League matches this season, their first in Europe.

“I lost my voice, I lost everything. It was an amazing game. We played amazing football,” said Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.

West Ham made it a clean sweep for British teams, finishing top of their group as Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez scored in a 2-0 win over Freiburg, who finished second in Group A.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp rang the changes with his team already secure as Group E winners and with an eye on the weekend’s Premier League game against rivals Manchester United, starting six players aged 20 or younger.

Saint-Gilloise, who needed a victory to keep alive their hopes of pipping Toulouse to second place, took the lead through Mohamed Amoura before Jarell Quansah hit back for Liverpool.

Cameron Puertas restored the hosts’ advantage two minutes before halftime with a low strike which beat Caoimhin Kelleher at his near post.

Klopp threw on Joe Gomez, Ryan Gravenberch and Darwin Nunez in the second half, but Saint-Gilloise held on for a famous win, although the Belgians dropped into the Europa Conference League playoff round after Toulouse beat LASK Linz 2-1 in the group’s other game to finish second.

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Liverpool conceded another goal but were saved by VAR after a handball.Source: Getty Images

Rangers, runners-up in the competition two seasons ago, were heading out of the tournament and into the Europa Conference League with the game level 12 minutes from time and Sparta Prague on their way to a 3-1 victory at Aris.

But after a corner was twice not cleared, Roofe bundled the ball home from three yards out to fire Rangers from third to first in Group C.

The Scottish giants had twice led in the first half through Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers, but Juan Miranda and Ayoze Perez both equalised for Betis.

Rangers held on in a frantic finale to inflict a first home defeat of the season on Betis, who had to settle for a Conference League play-off spot.

“(Playing in Europe) is special, it’s always been special during my time here,” Roofe told TNT Sports.

Dani Parejo scored a late winner as Villarreal took top spot in Group F and direct qualification for the last 16 with a 3-2 victory at Rennes.

Lorenz Assignon hammered home in the 12th minute of injury time to seemingly send Rennes back to the group summit, but his goal was ruled out by VAR and scuffles broke out after the final whistle.

The Ligue 1 club only needed to avoid defeat to finish first, but instead will have to face a team dropping out of the Champions League in the playoff.

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Qarabag finished second in Group H courtesy of a 2-1 success against Haecken. They were a distant eight points adrift of group winners Bayer Leverkusen, though, as the Bundesliga leaders extended their unbeaten start to the season to 23 matches in all competitions by thrashing Molde 5-1.

Jose Mourinho’s Roma had to settle for a knockout playoff berth despite beating Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 as Slavia Prague thrashed Servette 4-0.

In the Conference League, Premier League high-flyers Aston Villa qualified for the last 16 as Nicolo Zaniolo netted his first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw at Bosnian club Zrinjski.

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December 14, 2023
Four key words from Jurgen Klopp helped Ryan Gravenberch make Liverpool transfer decision

Ryan Gravenberch has revealed what Jurgen Klopp said to persuade him to swap Bayern Munich for Liverpool.

The 21-year-old had been a long-standing target and joined the Reds on transfer deadline day for £34million.

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Gravenberch joined Liverpool for £34million from Bayern Munich in the summerCredit: getty

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The 21-year-old revealed what Klopp said to persuade him to move to Liverpool

Gravenberch saw game time limited at the Allianz Arena, starting just three Bundesliga matches last season, and opted for a move to Anfield.

“Before I came in, I spoke with the coach and he gave me a good feeling,” Gravenberch recently said.

“He said to me: ‘Yes, I want you’. And he gave me his plans and explained everything. He gave me such a good feeling that my decision was a fast one.

“Of course, I spoke a little bit with Virgil [van Dijk] too and he said that Liverpool was a top club and that I was going to play, for sure. So he said those sorts of things to me and that also gave me a good feeling to come here.

“I don’t think there was one particular player I was looking forward to playing with here at Liverpool but rather the whole team because I played against them with Bayern in pre-season in Singapore and they are a really good team.

“The club also added some excellent signings in the summer and also I think it’s not just about one big, big player. I think the whole team is good and that’s why I trust the whole team.”

Gravenberch also touched on the reasoning behind his shirt number, his first goal for the club, and the Liverpool fans.

He added: “My decision [to wear] the No.38 jersey was because I made my debut at Ajax in the 38 and when I went to Bayern Munich I chose that number again because I felt I had something special because I had made my debut for Ajax with it. I think I will keep wearing 38 all my life, so 38 is definitely my favourite number.

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Fellow countryman Van Dijk has helped Gravenberch settle into life on MerseysideCredit: getty

“Scoring against Union SG in the last [European] home game was an incredible moment for me. Like I said after the game it might have been the easiest goal of my career but that didn’t matter.

“The fans have given me such great support since I arrived here and it has been great that they have given me such a good feeling so I want to give them something back.”

The Netherlands international made his official debut over the weekend as the Reds defeated Everton 2-0 at Anfield in the Merseyside derby.

Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League with 20 points, three behind league leaders Tottenham.

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October 24, 2023
Ryan Gravenberch explains why he cracked up during viral clip of Klopp rubbing his chin

Ryan Gravenberch has explained why he couldn’t contain his laughter when Jurgen Klopp was seen rubbing his chin.

The Liverpool midfielder, who joined this summer in a £34.2million move from Bayern Munich, has already won over fans with his silky play in the middle of the park.

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Klopp is loving Gravenberch and particularly his chinCredit: Getty

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Gravenberch cracked up remembering the momentCredit: Sky Sports

With two goals and an assist in seven games, the Dutchman is showcasing his talent, but mainly from the bench as he learns to settle in.

One of his cameos came during a 3-1 win over West Ham where he played the final 13 minutes and Klopp was seen giving his latest signing a pep talk.

The German coach is often seen showing his players love on the touchline with a hug, but he then grabbed Gravenberch’s perfectly crafted goatee.

The 21-year-old was seen cracking up moments later, and has now explained why.

Speaking to Sky Sports about the clip, he said: “I saw it went viral!

“He did it but Curtis [Jones] came to the side and I was laughing to Curtis.

“If you saw the video he did this [gestures rubbing his chin] and then I laughed about that but I was laughing to Curtis, that’s why.”

Gravenberch only lasted a single season at Bayern after his highly-anticipated move from Ajax, and it looks like Liverpool may have pulled off a coup for a player who had his path in Munich blocked.

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Klopp grabbed the midfielder’s chinCredit: PLP

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He could only laughCredit: PLP

Klopp worked hard to sign the midfielder, only getting a deal over the line on deadline day, but Gravenberch was already keen to join the Champions League and Premier League-winning manager.

“I spoke with the coach and he gave me a good feeling,” the youngster explained.

“He said to me ‘I want you’ and he gave me his plans and explained everything and gave me such a good feeling that my decision was such a fast one.”

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October 13, 2023
Man United eyeing revenge after being Bayern’s punching bag over the summer

Proving they are no laughing stock will be on Manchester United’s to-do list in Munich on Wednesday when they take on Bayern.

To some at the club and the thousands of travelling fans, it will feel they have been battling the Bundesliga champions all summer despite not playing a professional game against each other since 2014.

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Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich for £86m after Man United showed interest in him earlier in the summerCredit: Bayern Munich

The transfer window was the stage as the European rivals locked horns over the game’s biggest names and it’s a fight United lost.

They even tried to sign players from Bayern, but weren’t successful as the German giants repeatedly jabbed and embarrassed their Premier League foes.

From Harry Kane to Leon Goretzka, Bayern kept winning the tug of war as issues over the proposed sale of United hampered the ability to plan ahead.

And it is seemingly being felt given the slow start to the season where the club have so far failed to build on the initial success of Erik ten Hag’s first season.

It was hoped a couple of additions to key positions would help at least challenge for the title after winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League. Now, some of those misses could haunt them…

Harry Kane

One of the most talked about transfers of the summer was Tottenham’s all-time goalscorer Kane moving from Spurs to Bayern.

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Kane has continued his impressive Premier League goal scoring form at BayernCredit: Getty

The England striker was snapped up for £86m by the German champions in mid-August – a Bayern and Bundesliga record fee – but Bayern were by no means the only club interested in signing Kane as he entered the final year of his Spurs deal.

Man United had been heavily linked with the striker, as they desperately searched for a no.9 following Cristiano Ronaldo’s January departure and Wout Weghorst’s loan coming to an end. However, Man United pulled out of the race having been priced out.

Instead, Man United bought Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how both strikers get on when the two sides meet.

Kim Min-jae

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Kim was on Man United’s radar, but now Bayern are reaping the benefits of having the Serie A winner on their teamCredit: Getty

It’s a similar tale when it comes to former Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, who played a key role in Napoli winning Serie A last season, where he made 43 appearances.

The South Korean also attracted interest from other Champions League side Newcastle, too.

Ten Hag was keen to activate the centre-back’s £42m release clause, however, Bayern swooped in to take yet another one of Ten Hag’s key targets, signing him for £42m.

Meanwhile, Man United recruited former defender Jonny Evans, bringing him in on a free from relegated Leicester.

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Tuchel has inflicted two wins on Man United already during his managerial career, but was also getting the upper hand in the transfer windowCredit: Getty

Benjamin Pavard

Man United also lost out on signing a Bayern star, with the Bundesliga club deciding to sell him to another European giant instead.

With the clock ticking towards deadline day and after failing to sign Kim, Man United were interested in bringing Benjamin Pavard in to bolster their options at centre back.

He even commented on Raphael Varane’s Instagram photo after his late winner against Wolves in the opening fixture with flame emojis.

But fast forward two weeks and the France international was putting pen to paper with Inter Milan – another missed target for Ten Hag and co thanks to Bayern.

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Pavard called time on his four years at Bayern, but ended up at Inter Milan instead of Old TraffordCredit: Getty

Ryan Gravenberch

Pavard wasn’t the only Bayern star the Bundesliga outfit decided to sell on elsewhere despite Man United’s interest, either.

Except this time, Thomas Tuchel’s side sold one of the Red Devils’ targets to a rival – Liverpool.

Man United were keen to add more midfield depth following Fred’s exit, and with Gravenberch looking for regular first team football, the move looked to line up perfectly.

However, Liverpool’s long term interest in the midfielder and missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea led them to secure Gravenberch over their rivals. It’s not exactly the outcome Man United would have been hoping for…

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Man United fans will have been disappointed to see Gravenberch make his Liverpool debut against Wolves last SaturdayCredit: Getty

Leon Goretzka

Another Bayern midfielder was on Man United’s radar this summer – Goretzka.

Man United have been long term admirers of the German, first showing interest in 2021.

But despite the five-time Bundesliga champion reportedly being in Tuchel’s starting XI plans and therefore creating a golden opportunity for the Red Devils to snap him up, Goretzka remains at the club.

Reports suggested the German giants would let the 28-year-old leave for the right price, but the midfielder later stated: “I have no intention to leave Bayern. I love the club, I love the city, I love the fans.”

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Man United’s pursuit of Goretzka ended in disappointment tooCredit: Getty

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September 19, 2023
Premier League clubs splash over £2billion on transfers in record-breaking window

Mason Greenwood is close to joining Getafe on loan from Manchester United.

The Spanish LaLiga club opened talks with United on deadline day and are confident of getting a deal done.

Greenwood has not played for United since he was arrested in January 2022 and charged with attempted rape and assault.

The charges were later dropped but United announced earlier this month that he would not play for the club again following an internal investigation.

He is now set to try to revive his career with Getafe.

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September 2, 2023
Liverpool reject £150m Salah bid, Man City sign Nunes, Chelsea confirm Palmer

Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund is fit to make his debut this weekend and Erik ten Hag says Sergio Reguilon could also feature at Arsenal having trained with Manchester United ahead of the announcement of his loan move.

Denmark international Hojlund joined at the start of August for a fee rising up to £74million from Atalanta, but the 20-year-old has yet to feature due to a back complaint.

But Ten Hag says the striker is fit to feature at Arsenal, when new goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and left-back Reguilon will also be available for selection.

United have agreed a loan deal for Reguilon with Tottenham, and the Dutchman revealed the Spain international has trained with his new team-mates ahead of the announcement of the move.

“Yes (Hojlund will be available),” Ten Hag said. “He had a good training week so tomorrow we have the final training. But he is doing well, responding well, so, yeah, he will be available for Sunday’s game.

“(Bayindir) will be in the squad as well, Altay, so happy.

“Now we have the keeper group fully there. We covered every position so I think we have a very good keeper group with the arrival of Altay.”

Asked if Reguilon could be involved at the Emirates Stadium, the United boss said: “He is here, he trained. Yes (he will also be available for Sunday).”

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September 1, 2023
Liverpool get their man and agree £34m deal with Bayern Munich for Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool have agreed a £34million fee to sign Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich, talkSPORT understands.

The Dutch midfielder is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Anfield before the transfer window closes on Friday.

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Bayern have agreed a fee for Gravenberch with LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Gravenberch had already agreed terms with the Reds and was keen on the move after failing to settle in Munich.

The 21-year-old joined the Bundesliga giants from Ajax last summer in a £16m deal to much fanfare, but started only six matches, with his other 28 appearances coming from the bench.

That is unlikely to be the case at Liverpool, though, with Jurgen Klopp constructing an extensive midfield overhaul during the summer transfer window.

Stalwarts Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and James Milner all departed, with Alexis Mac Allister arriving from Brighton, Dominik Szoboszlai from Leipzig, and Wataru Endo from Stuttgart.

Endo is now the team’s only specialised defensive midfielder, but Gravenberch can also fill the role, though he is more adapt at playing an attacking role in the middle of the pitch.

Gravenberch will become Liverpool’s fourth signing of the season, with all four arrivals coming in midfield.

The deal could spell bad news for Fulham, though, with Bayern hotly pursuing their star defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha.

talkSPORT understands that Fulham have asked for £80m for the Portuguese international before the close of the window, amid an approach from the German side.

Fulham have identified PSV’s Ibrahim Sangare and Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana as potential targets if Palhinha does leave the club.

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August 31, 2023
Brighton to sign Fati, Palmer to Chelsea, Bayern man agrees personal terms with Liverpool
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August 31, 2023