In what may turn out to be the first of many, Liverpool has announced that midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has signed a new, six year, contract at the club. 

The Dutch international, who arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2023 from Bayern Munich, has been a mainstay on Liverpool's midfield ever since. 

Despite a difficult start, with former boss Jürgen Klopp seemingly uncertain as to how and where to play him - often alternate between central and attacking midfield - under Arne Slot he has flourished - being awarded Young Player of the Season and inducted to the Team of The Season, in the Premier League last term. 

Whilst his performances have dipped this season, and he's not the only one in the squad, he still remains an extremely important part of the team - and at 23 is likely to remain so for a long time to come. 

Ryan's Words

Credit: LFC

“I feel really, really good, I was really proud to extend my contract at such a big club. So, I’m really happy that I can stay for many more years."

“I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager. The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We are now here almost three years, so I know everything already. I’m happy that I’m here."

Credit: LFC

“For the short term, [my aim is to] end the season as good as possible. And for the long term: win many more trophies with Liverpool.”

Gravenberch's Journey 

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Born in Amsterdam, Gravenberch began his career at Ajax, moving through the legendary team's youth ranks before making his debut for for the first team in 2018, as part of Erik Ten Hag's (whatever happened to him?) exciting team that reached the semi-finals of Champions League. All the while, winning the Eredivisie three times. 

At the end of 2022, German giants Bayern Munich swooped in from Gravenberch for €18 million. However, like Klopp later, then Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann appeared to find a place for Gravenberch to play difficult to find, only making 25 appearances across all competitions during the 2022/23 season, but ending the season as Bundesliga champions. 

Credit: 90min.com

Salvation came from Merseyside, where Liverpool were looking to replace an aging Fabinho, bringing the Dutchman in for around £40 million in the Summer.

As mentioned, Gravenberch made a slow start to his career for the Reds, often appearing as a substitute, or as more of a midfield ‘’utility player' across the central midfield.  It was only with the arrival of Arne Slot, who already had a reputation of improving young players at former club Feyenoord, did Gravenberch start to show the same form he had at Ajax. 

Slot played, and plays, him more of an out and out defensive midfielder, often covering for Ibrahima Konate when the defender moves further up the pitch during as attacking phases, or allowing Dominik Szoboszlai to have a ‘’freer’ attacking role further up the pitch - something that has been used to great effect at times this season, especially with the arrival of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.