Xabi Alonso has Told Real Madrid to Sign ‘Ridiculous’ Liverpool Star – Report | OneFootball

Real Madrid turn attention to Ryan Gravenberch after summer raids on Liverpool

Real Madrid’s interest in Liverpool players has shown no signs of slowing. After recruiting Trent Alexander-Arnold and continuing to monitor Ibrahima Konate and Alexis Mac Allister, Spanish outlet Fichajes now report that Xabi Alonso has set his sights on Ryan Gravenberch.

The Dutch midfielder has flourished under Arne Slot, becoming a crucial part of Liverpool’s title-winning campaign last season and his form has carried on with two ridiculous man of the match performances against Burnley and Atletico Madrid. Now, Alonso, who lifted trophies at Anfield as a player, is said to have asked Florentino Perez to bring Gravenberch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Alonso’s admiration and Gravenberch’s rise

According to Fichajes, Gravenberch is Alonso’s “new wish for Real Madrid”, with the coach identifying him as an ideal partner for Aurelien Tchouameni in a double pivot. That is high praise considering the wealth of midfield talent already available to Madrid.

Gravenberch arrived at Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2023. While he initially struggled to make an impact under Jurgen Klopp, his development accelerated under Slot. Last season he produced four assists in 37 Premier League games and was instrumental in the Reds lifting the title. He has already opened his account this campaign with a goal and an assist in just four matches.

Liverpool value him at €75 million and his contract runs until 2028, a detail which underlines how difficult it would be for Madrid to secure his signature.

Photo: IMAGO

What his agent has said

The rumours gain further intrigue because of Gravenberch’s agent, Jose Fortes, who has previously made no secret of his admiration for Madrid. Speaking to Marca earlier this year, Fortes revealed:

“When Ryan was 16, Barça called us. They wanted to sign him, but his father and I prioritised his development.

“At Ajax, he was able to develop in a way that he possibly wouldn’t have at Barca.”

Fortes went further, saying: “He’s good enough for Real Madrid. We would love for him to play for them, but Liverpool would ask for a lot of money. I know they’ve had their eye on him, but now it’s impossible.”

Such comments inevitably fuel speculation. For all Liverpool’s resolve, Madrid’s interest rarely goes away.

Liverpool’s stance

Liverpool have made it clear through their actions, if not words, that they are no longer a selling club. The board tied Gravenberch down to a long-term deal and Slot has made him central to his plans. With the Reds top of the Premier League after four wins from four, the club will be reluctant to allow any disruption.

Madrid, though, are patient operators. They are stocked in midfield with Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos among others, but the attraction of a player like Gravenberch means their gaze may linger.

Whether this story grows traction beyond Spain remains to be seen, but it is another reminder of how highly regarded Liverpool’s young stars have become.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report invites scepticism. Firstly, Fichajes does not have a flawless reputation for reliability. While Alonso’s admiration for midfield talent is well known, the notion that Madrid would push aggressively for Gravenberch so soon feels premature.

Gravenberch has only just established himself in England after a testing start. Under Arne Slot, he has become disciplined, dynamic and increasingly influential. Slot clearly views him as a pillar of his project, one that already delivered the Premier League title in his first season. Losing him now would disrupt the balance of Liverpool’s midfield at a time when the side is setting the pace at the top of the table.

The contract situation is also significant. With four years still to run, Liverpool hold all the leverage. Madrid would have to pay a premium, far beyond €75 million, to even bring Liverpool to the table. That is before considering whether the player himself is ready to leave.

Fans will also remember the agent’s remarks. While it is true he once said Gravenberch “would love” to play for Madrid, he also admitted that a transfer was “impossible” in the short term. Liverpool’s strong financial position and determination not to be raided again provide reassurance.

For now, supporters should treat these rumours cautiously. Gravenberch has quickly become a fan favourite and appears fully invested in the project under Slot. Unless Madrid make an extraordinary offer, it is hard to see Liverpool contemplating his sale.