Liverpool’s new contract, Ryan Gravenberch, was fiercely criticized by coach Ronaldo Koeman and Michael Reiziger of the Dutch U21 team.
Ryan Gravenberch moved to Anfield from Bayern Munich on the last day of the 2023 Summer transfer window, to get the Dutch player Liverpool had to spend 40 million euros (34 million pounds). This player did not make his debut in the home match against Aston Villa.
This deal is considered the final brick to strengthen Jurgen Klopp’s midfield. After a series of departures from midfield veterans, The Reds brought in Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and now Gravenberch to replace them.
Recently, the Dutch Football Federation made an announcement about this 21-year-old player: “Liverpool’s rookie midfielder spoke with Dutch U21 assistant Michael Reiziger that he wants to focus on his new club and therefore will not be ready to serve the team this September.”
SC Cambuur midfielder Fedde de Jong will replace Gravenberch in the Netherlands U21 squad for the matches against Moldova and North Macedonia.
Gravenberch told Liverpool’s website after the transfer closed: “I’m delighted the deal is done and I’m finally here. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
“Now we will have a fresh start, and I will give my all for Liverpool. My ambition is to win trophies with Liverpool in all competitions and to prove to everyone who we are. And who am I?”
This 21-year-old player was called up to the Dutch U21 team, but he refused to stay at Liverpool and integrate with the new team in the best way. Ryan Gravenberch’s decision made Netherlands U21 coach Michael Reiziger angry. He said:
“I don’t think it was the right decision. That’s what I told him. I really don’t think it was a good decision. I know Gravenberch, I think he’s a good player, a good guy, but he made the wrong choice.
“You have to play with your heart for your country, not your head. It is always an honor to play for your country. He has made a decision and he wants to stay at Liverpool to adapt.”
Dutch coach Ronald Koeman may refuse to call up Gravenberch in the near future. In a press conference on Monday, the former Everton and Barcelona coach replied briefly: “We are not happy with Ryan Gravenberch refusing to play for his country. Nigel de Jong, my assistant contacted him.”
The Netherlands will face Greece and the Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2024 qualifiers this September. Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Nathan Ake, Micky van de Ven and Ian Maatsen are the Premier League stars called up to the Orange Cyclone’s roster in the next two matches.