Liverpool view Frenkie de Jong as a potential replacement for Real Madrid-linked Ryan Gravenberch
Real Madrid have been concretely interested in signing Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold on a potential free transfer in the summer. The England international has yet to renew his contract at Anfield, and after winning the lot with Liverpool, he may be tempted to switch to Real Madrid.
It has now emerged that Trent Alexander-Arnold is not the only Liverpool player on Real Madrid’s radar. Recent reports suggest Ryan Gravenberch has worked his way into Los Blancos’ transfer plans.
The Dutchman has been among the Reds’ best performers this season. He has become a mainstay in the side following Arne Slot’s arrival in the summer after struggling for regular game time under former boss Jurgen Klopp in his debut campaign.
Liverpool have no intentions whatsoever of parting ways with Gravenberch as they consider him indispensable and will not allow him to leave mid-season. However, with Madrid’s interest in the deep-lying playmaker increasing, owing to Aurelien Tchouameni’s poor form and Toni Kroos’ retirement in the off-season, the Merseysiders have started putting plans in place.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool are eyeing Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong as a potential replacement for Gravenberch. It was claimed last week that the Reds could make an offer for the central midfielder as they look to take advantage of the player’s current situation at Barcelona.
Frenkie de Jong has a contract at Camp Nou until the summer of 2026 (Transfermarkt), so several clubs have already expressed interest in his situation, reaching out to both him and his agent in an attempt to persuade him not to sign any renewal offers, aiming for a free transfer once his contract expires.
Losing a player who was once acquired for £65m without receiving any compensation is not an option for Barcelona. In addition, retaining a player who has been hit with injury problems and has contributed nominally to the Hansi Flick-managed team’s displays, is not practical. Adding to the Dutchman’s predicament are his sizeable wages, which rank him among the top earners in the squad.
Liverpool appear keen to sign De Jong at a relatively cheaper price in 2025, with Arne Slot interested in the player. Perhaps, Slot believes he can help the 27-year-old regain his lost mojo, much like he has with Gravenberch.
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However, in a separate report, the Merseysiders are not going to make reckless financial commitments, offering a modest offer of €30 million plus €10 million in add-ons, hoping it will be enough to convince the chiefs at Camp Nou to allow De Jong to leave in January. The Netherlands international has the experience and profile that would fit perfectly in Slot’s system at Anfield.
In an ideal world, though, Liverpool must do everything possible to keep hold of Gravenberch and add De Jong to their midfield setup next year.
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