Liverpool and Manchester City have been linked with signing Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich on a free transfer in the summer and a new twist in his summer plans suggests a summer tug-of-war is brewing.
Dominant and controlled performances have marked Arne Slot’s arrival at Liverpool but nobody expected Ryan Gravenberch to be as influential as the Dutch midfielder has been.
He was phenomenal again for the Reds this week as he delivered a mature and authoritative display in the 4-0 win over Spurs to help Liverpool reach the final of the Carabao Cup.
Gravenberch’s form this season means Liverpool don’t need a new no.6 but it seems there is still a chance that Slot will buy a specialist for the position in the summer with links to Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich appearing more and more frequently.
Liverpool and Manchester City poised for summer tug-of-war over Joshua Kimmich
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool contacted Joshua Kimmich at the start of January regarding a move to Anfield at the end of the season in the summer transfer window.
The German international is out of contract at the end of the season and Liverpool will reportedly make contact with him again as they plant the seeds for what would be an exciting summer acquisition. Much like Thiago Alcantara did, the 29-year-old could provide valuable experience and quality in the twilight of his career.
The report adds that Manchester City are also interested as they look to rebuild their side after their total collapse this season.
Kimmich is said to prefer moving to the Premier League over any other which gives Liverpool and City an advantage although until the player signs a contract, anything is possible.
Bayern are “seriously worried” about losing Kimmich but just like Liverpool with Salah, van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, a lot can change between now and July. His €375,000 (£316k) per week wages could be an obstacle for the Reds though.
What would signing Kimmich mean for Ryan Gravenberch?
Whether or not Liverpool sign Kimmich or someone like Angelo Siller, there is no doubt Gravenberch will be a starter under Slot next season. The 22-year-old has guaranteed his place in Liverpool’s starting lineup with his displays this season.
It’s important to remember that although Gravenberch didn’t shine as a no.8 under Klopp and is currently shining as a no.6, he is naturally a box-to-box midfielder and would have no issue returning to the no.8 role if asked.
Gravenberch may actually be better in a box-to-box role under Slot compared to under Klopp given the new Liverpool manager’s greater emphasis on control and playing between the lines.
Gravenberch is world-class at receiving the ball with his back to his marker and spinning into space and could definitely do it from a more advanced position.
Whether or not Kimmich will be signed is impossible to call now and as Slot said, summer transfers will depend on a few factors, including how contract discussions go and the willingness of backup players to continue in their bit-part roles.
