Ryan Gravenberg has explained his decision to opt for a move to Bayern Munich despite attracting interest from Manchester United.
A recent report from The Athletic suggests United were interested in the young defensive midfielder, although he has already agreed to join the Bundesliga champions.
Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic has confirmed that Gravenberch has completed a transfer to the Bundesliga champions.
After bursting onto the scene with impressive displays for Ajax, Gravenberch earned his first international cap with the Netherlands in 2021. Now he will join the biggest club in Germany – and one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Salihamidzic confirmed the deal has been done in an interview with De Telegraaf, as quoted by the Daily Mail: “He signed. We’ve completed the deal and we’re very happy that he’s here and can get started with us.
“He has great strengths, great technique and is able to resolve situations in tight spaces. With his dynamism, he can drive the ball forward, is a goal threat but can also defend. He will take the next steps with us.”
However, in an interview cited by The Metro, Gravenberch explained his decision to sign for Bayern instead of United.
“Manchester United is a very big and nice club,” he said. “But I already had such a good feeling with Bayern and I had given them my word.”
That said, Gravenberch never looked likely to join the Red Devils this summer.
The Netherlands international would have been a fine signing for Erik ten Hag, but the new United manager has made former Ajax star Frenkie de Jong his priority target in midfield, with Barcelona willing to cash in two years after signing the player.
Let us know in the comments section which defensive midfielder you would like United to sign – to potentially player alongside De Jong?
