Ryan Gravenberch, valued at €35 million by Ajax, reportedly prefers joining Barcelona instead of Real Madrid next summer.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Ryan Gravenberch has handed Real Madrid a major blow in his pursuit. The Ajax prodigy is keen on joining Barcelona instead of Los Blancos in next summer’s transfer window when the Dutch giants will demand €35 million in exchange for his services.
Ryan Gravenberch has been with Ajax for over a decade, having joined the club’s academy as an eight-year-old in 2010. And since breaking into the first-team picture at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in 2018, the teenage prodigy has not looked back, establishing himself as a key figure for the Dutch giants.
To date, the 19-year-old has featured 86 times for Ajax, chipping in with ten goals and ten assists in the process. However, Gravenberch’s time with the Dutch outfit could draw to a close next summer, as he is not showing any inclination towards signing a new contract, with his current deal expiring in June 2023. Such a situation has alerted Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The interest from Barcelona makes sense, as Sergio Busquets is in the final phase of his career. At the same time, Frenkie de Jong faces an uncertain future at Camp Nou, as he might be the golden goose for Barcelona amid their financial woes. And if de Jong is offloaded, the Blaugrana will need a top-class replacement, making his compatriot Gravenberch a viable target.
On the other hand, Real Madrid’s eagerness to sign the 19-year-old is a byproduct of Luka Modric’s advancing years. In addition, Toni Kroos is approaching the twilight of his playing days, meaning it behoves Real Madrid to bring in a midfield reinforcement, especially with Dani Ceballos and Isco deemed surplus to requirements.
To that end, the Spanish giants have reportedly established contact with the player’s entourage over a possible summer move. Signing Gravenberch will not cost a bomb either, with Ajax likely to demand around €35 million in exchange for his services. However, the teenage prodigy is set to hand Real Madrid a major blow in his pursuit, as he is eager to join Barcelona.
Gravenberch prioritises playing as much as possible instead of joining a club that will be battling for the best of trophies. So, his decision to prioritise joining Barcelona over Real Madrid makes sense. However, it remains to be seen if Barcelona can afford to pay €35 million to sign him next summer.
