Ryan Gravenberch’s Agent: “We’d Love Real Madrid Move”

In a statement that is not perhaps the smartest thing to say about a Liverpool player, Ryan Gravenberch’s agent has said he would love for his client to play for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Spaniard Jose Fortes is the agent of Gravenberch and leader of the ‘Team Raiola’ agency, which oversees other notable footballers such as Justin Kluviert, Mickey van de Ven, and Brian Brobbey.

He made the comments during an interview with Spanish outlet Marca, saying: “Ryan needed playing time to develop. I told Nagelsmann (Bayern’s coach at the time) that if he didn’t play, he would leave.”

And that’s exactly what happened. After signing for Bayern Munich from Ajax in 2022, Gravenberch was considered one of the hottest talents in all of Europe. Despite a disappointing stint in Germany, he was signed by Liverpool in 2023 and has developed into one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders under new manager Arne Slot. He continued:

We were clear that he had to go to Liverpool; he fit in perfectly with this team. 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.

Fortes has now already had to backtrack on his comments. After a fan on Instagram said that it was “disrespectful” to say that about his client, he responded by saying, “I am Spanish, it is my dream club, not Ryan’s. He is really really happy, and if you ask Ryan, he will agree with you. Keep calm.”

Liverpool fans will be hoping that it was simply a one-off comment and not an indication of future interest from Real Madrid. Not only have they had to bear losing to them in a UEFA Champions League final twice, but now one of their star players Trent Alexander-Arnold is on the verge of signing for them on a free transfer, if reports are to be believed.

Fortes has been with Gravenberch since he was a child, and recalled his earlier days at Ajax during the interview: “When Ryan was 16, Barca called us. They wanted to sign him, but his father and I prioritized his development. At Ajax, he was able to develop in a way that he possibly wouldn’t have at Barca,” he said.