Gravenberch BOMBSHELL as Germany midfielder wanted as upgrade | OneFootball

Liverpool last had a midfield refit back in 2023. We saw big-name departures in the shape of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arthur Melo and Naby Keita.

In came Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch. Alongside hometown hero Curtis Jones, the pieces were in place for Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title-winning midfield options.

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The central third has looked settled since then - with competition set to increase in the middle this season. With the acquisition of Florian Wirtz, it means that Szoboszlai is now likely in competition with Mac Allister for a place in the team.

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There are no guarantees under Arne Slot with the Liverpool head coach taking no prisoners in his quest to improve his overall unit. And even Ryan Gravenberch could now find himself at risk due to the lates Liverpool midfield transfer links.

Liverpool eyeing midfield improvements

The midfielder was a bit-part player under Jurgen Klopp but stepped into the breach at No6 when the club missed out on Martin Zubimendi.

The Dutchman performed admirably - earning a place in the PFA team of the year for his title-winning campaign. Gravenberch is established as one of the best players in the league in his position - but the 23-year-old’s days could be NUMBERED in the first team.

That’s according to a new report in Fichajes, which claims the club may well see Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller as an IMPROVEMENT on Gravenberch in defensive midfield.

Angelo Stiller again linked with Liverpool

Stiller, 24, has become a mainstay in the Stuttgart lineup since joining from Hoffenheim in 2023 - and is under contract with the German cup holders until 2027.

It’s been reported that the German international has got a €40m release clause in his contract - active from 2026 - although his club do have the option of eliminating the clause for only €2m.

Liverpool are among the teams most closely associated with a bid for Stiller - not only to augment their midfield options but to take over from Gravenberch.

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Is Stiller an upgrade over Gravenberch?

“Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all expressed interest in signing him, while Real Madrid in Spain is also closely monitoring him as a future option to strengthen their midfield,” the report reads.

“In Liverpool's case, the need for a quality defensive midfielder is evident. The German could represent an upgrade over Ryan Gravenberch, bringing youth and potential to a squad looking to remain competitive in England and Europe.”

It would be a surprise to see Gravenberch replaced at this stage of his Liverpool career - with the former Bayern Munich player contracted until 2028.

He has gone from strength to strength in the Liverpool first team - although Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes may well be looking for more robustness in his play considering his drop-off in the final third of the title-winning season.