Manchester City have been tipped to sign Ajax’s Ryan Gravenberch.
In a recent interview with Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, Gravenberch spoke about his chances of possibly leaving Ajax for free, at the end of this season.
"“It is up to my agent and father, I don’t know whether I will leave Ajax next summer. What I know for sure is that I will not leave if Ajax are not earning anything from me.”“I have played here all my career. Ajax have been good to me and I owe a lot to the club. Then, I cannot just leave on a free transfer. That will hot happen”“It is not bad to step out of comfort zone. A different competition, different life and different people around you. But that can also be done at 22 for example.”"
Gravenberch’s performance at Ajax
The 19-year-old has been a revelation at Ajax playing a vital role in the heart of their midfield. Gravenberch has been an undisputed starter for Erik Ten Hag featuring in 23 of the 24 league fixtures in the Eredivisie, this season.
The Dutch midfielder has been quite impressive in the holding midfield position. He has also managed to score once and assist thrice in the Dutch league, this season.
Gravenberch’s contract at the Johan Cruijff Arena expires in 2023. The player has been reiterating that he has no intentions of leaving the reigning Eredivisie champions on a Bosman. Thus, he could either leave in the upcoming summer or pen down a new contract with Ajax.
However, it does seem that Gravenberch will sign a new contract with his boyhood club.
Manchester City’s interest in Gravenberch
Manchester City are in the market for a potential replacement for Fernandinho. Gravenberch could be the inch-perfect replacement for the outgoing Brazilian. Therefore, City’s interest in the Dutch prospect is justified.
However, Manchester City will have to negate the likes of European heavyweights in Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund for the Ajax midfielder’s prized signature, claims the source.
Final Verdict
In my opinion, Gravenberch is still far away from being a finished product. Given the star-studded midfield of Manchester City, including the likes of Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, it would be a surprise if the Skyblues eventually enter a bidding war for the 19-year-old which could potentially jeopardize their pursuit of Erling Haaland, financially.