EXCLUSIVE: Gravenberch to Liverpool in doubt after Palhinha transfer collapse

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 1 Sep 2023 15:39 CDT
• 4 min read

Ryan Gravenberch’s move to Liverpool is in doubt after Bayern Munich failed to finalise a deal to sign Joao Palhinha, FootballTransfers understand.

Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Gravenberch, 21, but the move has been complicated by Bayern’s failed pursuit of Palhinha.

The Portugal international underwent his medical in Bavaria, but the deal collapsed as Bayern weren’t able to agree a deal with Fulham before the Bundesliga’s 5pm transfer deadline.

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As a result, it has put Gravenberch’s potential move to Anfield in doubt.

Sources have told us that Fulham were unable to agree a deal to sign Scott McTominay from Manchester United, which led to Palhinha’s move to Bayern collapsing as Marco Silva’s side were unwilling to sanction a sale.

Gravenberch could still end up joining Liverpool before tonight’s 11pm deadline, but we understand the move is in doubt.

READ MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Bayern currently have four central midfield options in their first-team squad - Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer and Gravenberch.

Summer signing Raphael Guerreiro and Jamal Musiala can both play in that role too, but we have been told that Bayern may now look to keep Gravenberch after missing out on Palhinha.

Gravenberch made 33 appearances in his debut campaign at Bayern after arriving from Ajax in 2022, but he only started three Bundesliga games all season.

We understand the 21-year-old is seeking an Anfield move in order for regular game time to increase his chances of being selected in the Netherlands’ European Championship squad next summer. He was omitted from their World Cup squad last winter.

Liverpool’s summer business

Liverpool have spent €132m so far this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo joining the club.

They also pursued both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, but the pair decided to join Premier League rivals Chelsea instead.

A move for Gravenberch remains on the cards, however it is no longer straight-forward due to Bayern’s failure to land Fulham star Palhinha.

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