Jude Bellingham Liverpool : £16m transfer target labeled ‘better than Bellingham’ open to Anfield move

Jude Bellingham Liverpool

Liverpool could be a step closer to signing their sought-after replacement for Jude Bellingham, following an update on their interest in Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenburch.

The midfielder signed from Bundesliga side Ajax last summer but has been unable to find regular playing time and is looking to move on when the transfer window reopens.

According to reports in The Mirror, Liverpool are already in contact with Gravenburch’s father and agent over whether he will sign for another club soon after joining Bayern. The 20-year-old himself has reportedly told the Merseyside outfit that he is open to a move to Anfield.

Reliace is Hiring- Apply Now

Jude Bellingham Liverpool : Who is Liverpool transfer target Ryan Gravenburch?

Gravenburch was bought by Bayern last summer for €19 million (£16m) plus add-ons.

Prior to his move, the youngster had only played for his boyhood club Ajax, where he made 103 senior appearances and contributed 12 goals and 13 assists.

Reliace is Hiring- Apply Now

Since joining the Bavarians, the midfield man has made 18 league appearances, most of them cameos. But despite his lack of playing time in Bayern colours, Gravenburch has received huge praise from former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur star Raphael van der Vaart.

Speaking to Zigo Sport (via liverpool.com), the former midfielder heaped praise on his fellow countryman, drawing comparisons to former Liverpool target Bellingham.

“I think the big difference [between the two players] is, Bellingham is a step down at a club and always plays. I think Gravenburch is better than him in every way. Especially physically.”

Jude Bellingham Liverpool : Could Liverpool sign Ryan Gravenburch?

Gravenberch is somewhat out of favor at Bayern and with the player clearly looking for more opportunities, Liverpool are keen to see if they can make a trade for the Bundesliga giants.

The Reds will need to pay £200,000-a-week to match Gravenburch’s current terms in Germany, reports The Mirror. However, the amount was deemed “not to be an issue” when Liverpool recently spoke with the midfielder’s advisors.

Due to Bellingham’s skyrocketing price of over £130 million, he was forced to withdraw his interest. Borussia Dortmund’s asking price may have eaten into Jurgen Klopp’s summer budget, leaving him with no option but to look for a cheaper alternative.