Dutch midfield playmaker Ryan Gravenberch has made clear that he sees his future at FC Bayern Munich. The Dutchman arrived from AFC Ajax last year, and was seen as part of an exciting midfield refresh that fans felt was much-needed. However, a rather middling first season in Bavaria had seen the Dutch international linked with a move away from the German champions.
That, though, has been kiboshed by the player himself. Speaking at a recent discussion with Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad, the Dutch midfielder was quoted as saying: “I assume I will still play here next season. That’s really how I feel. I’m at a top three club in the world. I find that beautiful and special. I won’t give that up just like that. My goal is still to succeed at Bayern.”
Given the Bundesliga appears to be seeing a bit of a talent drain this summer, keeping a potential superstar like Gravenberch around will be seen as a net positive for Bayern. While much of the Bundesliga would be keen to see Bayern lose some of their best young players to try and open up the field for a title challenge, it looks like the ‘Rekordmeister’ will not be losing their young playmaker.
It has been reported that Liverpool FC were especially keen to land Gravenberch, but it looks like that is not going to be possible. With the player keen to try again in Bavaria next season, under a new coach in Thomas Tuchel, it looks like any potential deal for an exit is off the table at this moment in time.
Bayern progressing on striker front
This week, reports suggested that a move for Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Harry Kane was nearing completion. However, new reports have emerged that FCB are stalling in a bid to make a move for Napoli and Nigeria sensation Victor Osimhen instead. It is believed that Bayern believe that a deal can be struck with the livewire Nigerian, making the most of a summer of change in Naples.
With Osimhen, Bayern are buying a player who can produce today and in the future. His appeal in the African market, too, would further bolster the clubs growing size and profile in that part of the world. Pairing Osimhen with Sadio Mane – arguably the two best African players in the world alongside Mohamed Salah – would given Bayern a huge leg-up in boosting their marketing appeal in Africa.
That, though, is not the sole reason why they want Osimhen: they also believe that he is the ideal striker to build around for years, ala Robert Lewandowski. Kane is seen more as a ‘win now’ option that would be increasingly expensive and hard to replace in a few years. Osimhen could play in Bavaria for several years, and still be sold for a profit down the line if required.
For Bayern, the aim is to find a generational striker that can be the face of the next few years of the club. Whether that is the short-term option of Kane or something more methodical, fans will have to wait and see. This, though, looks like an exciting summer in Munich.
