How Gravenberch fuels the competition at Bayern
Bayern Munich signs Gravenberch from Ajax
Ryan Gravenberch’s move from Ajax Amsterdam to FC Bayern Munich is finally perfect. The 20-year-old has a contract until 2027. The transfer fee is 18.5 million euros and could increase to 24 million euros with bonuses.
Ryan Gravenberch is FC Bayern’s second signing for the new season. The Dutchman from Ajax Amsterdam speaks directly about big goals. Under coach Julian Nagelsmann, there will now be hardship cases in midfield.
Dhe dad is so proud he couldn’t wait any longer. Ryan Gravenberch senior posted the first photo of his son in a FC Bayern jersey on Instagram – before the football record champions announced the transfer.
Ryan junior and the club didn’t blame the father. “I wouldn’t be here without my family,” said Munich’s access in an interview on the club’s website.
The 20-year-old Dutchman with Surinamese roots is Bayern’s second new player for the new season after free transfer Moroccan right-back Noussair Mazraoui (contract until 2026).
He already played with 24-year-old Mazraoui at his previous club Ajax Amsterdam. Gravenberch is a family man: He is moving to Munich with his mother Aretha, and his father will often be with him.
“I come to win many titles. Anything is possible with this club,” said Gravenberch, who signed a contract until 2027. “The cohesion in this team is very strong, I like that.” Bayern pay 18.5 million euros for the midfield talent, plus a bonus payment of up to 5.5 million euros. In addition, Ajax will receive 7.5 percent in the event of a possible resale in the future.
Gravenberch is considered one of the most promising players in the Netherlands. At the age of seven, the right-footed player switched to Ajax and went through all the junior teams there. At the age of 16 he played for the professionals for the first time, for which he appeared in 103 competitive games and scored twelve goals.
Ryan Gravenberch convinced at Ajax Amsterdam with his duel strength and dynamism
Source: dpa/Maurice Van Steen
With the Dutch record champions, he won three championships and the cup twice. Last year he was called up for the national team of the Netherlands for the first time. He has ten international matches and took part in the 2021 European Championship. He won the European Championship in 2018 with his country’s U-17 team. He has 14 appearances in the Champions League. “Ryan Gravenberch is a young, exciting player who many top European clubs would have liked to sign. Players with their qualities are important for FC Bayern’s future path,” said club boss Oliver Kahn.
Bayern had negotiated everything with Gravenberch’s management in April. Recently, Manchester United tried to get him, but the player had made his decision. “United is a very big and great club,” said Gravenberch. “But I already had such a good feeling with Bayern and had already given them my word.”
More dynamic for the Bayern game
Gravenberch comes on as a replacement for Corentin Tolisso, whose contract ends this June and will not be renewed. The new player is physically robust at 1.90 meters and can be used flexibly in central midfield, can play on the “six” or the “eight”. He should bring dynamism to the Bayern game.
After Tolisso, Bayern want to give up another midfielder, Marc Roca can leave the club in case of a suitable offer. The competition is still fierce: Gravenberch has to assert himself against Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala and possibly Marcel Sabitzer.
Sabitzer wants to stay in Munich, for the club selling remains an option in the event of a bid of around 15 million euros. Because Bayern are interested in 25-year-old Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig. “I don’t mind if we buy one or two pressing machines,” said trainer Julian Nagelsmann recently. He needs a broad squad to be more successful than last season.
“Ryan Gravenberch will give our team a lot,” says sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. “He’s one of the greatest talents in Europe, has excellent technique, always finds solutions in the smallest of spaces, is very dynamic and dangerous in front of goal. We love players with that mentality.”
Bayern start preparing for the new season on July 8th. Which headline would Gravenberch like to read about himself in a year? He replied with a smile: “That we won the Champions League.”
