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Topics: Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Transfer News, Premier League, Football, Arne Slot
Ryan Gravenberch’s agent has released a statement after he claimed he would “love” to see the Liverpool midfielder play for Real Madrid.
Gravenberch, 22, has been a mainstay in Liverpool’s midfield this season, in what looks likely to be a Premier League title-winning campaign.
And with the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah still uncertain, the prospect of the Netherlands midfielder leaving will be something head coach Arne Slot will be keen to avoid.
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However, his agent made a shocking claim in a recent interview with Spanish outlet MARCA.
"When Ryan was 16, Barca called us," said Jose Fortes Rodriguez.
"They wanted to sign him, but his father and I prioritized his development. He's good enough for Real Madrid. We would love for him to play for them, but Liverpool would ask for a lot of money. I know they've had their eye on him, but now it's impossible.”
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Of course, such a statement would send the alarm bells ringing with most fan bases and this was the case for Liverpool fans with several taking to social media to voice their concerns.
But Rodriguez has since clarified his comments by posting a statement to his Instagram account.
"I’m Spanish," he wrote. "It’s my dream club, not the dream club of Ryan. He is really happy, and if you ask Ryan, he will agree with you [that Liverpool are the biggest club in the world]. No stress, keep calm."
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This will be music to Slot and Liverpool supporters’ ears given the fact that Gravenberch has started every Premier League match during the 2024/25 campaign – something that is impressive without even considering the fact he was out of favour for much of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.
Gravenberch has previously credited Slot with his improved form.
"Now I play a lot of games as a starter, so it’s a little bit different," Gravenberch told TNT Sports in November.
"The coach gave me confidence when I needed it and I'm happy that I can show myself again."
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"Just the run of games, you really need it to be honest," he added.
"Sometimes it's really hard. For example, if you're on the bench and the next game you play good, the next game you're on the bench, then you come in for 10 minutes, then the 10 minutes are not really going how you want it.
"Then the next game you’re on the bench again, so that’s difficult."