Real Madrid’s Shocking Move for Gravenberch: What’s Really Behind the Interest?

When the whispers started swirling about Real Madrid setting their sights on Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, it caught my attention—and not just because of the usual transfer buzz. The Dutch midfielder has been lighting up the pitch, especially in that recent Merseyside Derby where he didn’t just perform; he dominated, netting the opener and setting up a crucial assist. Real Madrid’s knack for pursuing Liverpool talent isn’t new—they welcomed Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer and are reportedly eyeing Ibrahima Konate too—but Gravenberch’s hefty contract and his importance to Liverpool make this a story worth dissecting carefully. As November’s Champions League showdown at Anfield approaches, I can’t help but wonder if these rumored moves are genuine pursuits or clever distractions aimed at rattling the Premier League champions. Either way, one thing’s clear: Gravenberch’s star is rising, and Real isn’t about to blink anytime soon. LEARN MORE

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid are interested in signing Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch.

This story, however, comes after the Dutch midfielder shone in the Merseyside Derby against Everton, scoring the opening goal and assisting Hugo Ekitike for the second. It’s also worth noting that Liverpool welcome Real Madrid to Anfield in the Champions League group stage in early November.

Real Madrid appear to have developed a taste for Liverpool players. They signed Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, on what was initially planned as a free transfer but ended with a £10million fee being paid for Liverpool to release the right-back in time to represent Los Blancos at the FIFA Club World Cup. Now, Real are credited with strong interest in Ibrahima Konate, whose contract with the Reds expires at the end of this season.

However, Gravenberch is contracted to Liverpool until the summer of 2028, and though the report speaks about a €75million valuation, given his value to Arne Slot’s team, it’s hard to imagine the Premier League champions agreeing to sell one of their best players for anywhere close to that amount.

Furthermore, Liverpool are likely to open talks with Gravenberch’s representatives over a new deal at some point during this season, and this story seems like a feeble attempt to disrupt things within a team that has won six out of six games played in all competitions, before the two sides clash in the Champions League. Maybe putting out a story about Konate would’ve done more at the moment, even if Gravenberch is the one whose performances are sparking public praise.

Distant future may bring other things, but at this point, the 23-year-old seems perfectly happy where he is, adored by the fans, trusted by the coach, and playing alongside international teammates like Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong.

Real Madrid have inflicted Liverpool with some painful defeats in recent years – most notably, two Champions League finals, and interestingly enough, both those matches were preceded by reports from the Spanish media about Real’s interest in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

But when Real last visited Anfield, they returned to Madrid beaten 2-0.