Few would have predicted four transfer arrivals for the middle of the pitch even after Liverpool withdrew from the battle to recruit Jude Bellingham at the beginning of the summer in order to concentrate on adding numerous players there.
But when Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru End, and Ryan Gravenberch entered, that is exactly what happened. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho’s unexpected departures contributed to the pressing need for extra players to be found in the transfer market.
It took a while before there was a midfield rejuvenation. Following a summer of rumors, Liverpool acquired Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago three years ago. The Reds agreed to pay a starting price of $25 million (£20 million/€23 million), with a potential increase to $31 million (£25 million/€28 million).
Despite the Reds losing Gini Wijnaldum, he was the lone senior acquisition to that area of the field prior to this summer. However, Liverpool has recently gone midfield-crazy, sending Gravenberch back to Bayern Munich.
Only 21 years old, the former Ajax member is about eight years younger than Thiago was when he joined Liverpool. His professional career is still in its infancy, whereas the latter was the final product.
While Thiago was a key member of the Bavarians’ Champions League winning team, Gravenberch is far down the pecking order and had just three Bundesliga starts in his first campaign.
Finally, Gravenberch still had four years left on a long-term contract, whilst Thiago had one year left on his contract and was available for a discounted price.
But that didn’t stop Liverpool from trying to make a move. He had been under Liverpool’s supervision for a very long time, and he had shown signs of wanting to leave. The current German champion was insistent for a long that he wouldn’t be sold, but in the end, he couldn’t resist because there was no assurance that he would see regular activity.
Both have the ability to create openings from midfield. Last season, Gravenberch was among the top 10 players in the Eredivisie for projected assists (7.1) and shot-creating actions (118), and in 2020–21, he was the division’s undisputed leader in progressive passes.
He possesses the technical skills required to defeat a man, just like Thiago. In his final season in the Netherlands, Gravenberch (64) had more successful take-ons than any other player in the top division of the Netherlands.
