Manchester United enter race to sign highly-rated Barcelona target


(L-R) Mario Pasalic of Atalanta Bergamo, Ryan Gravenberch of Ajax during the UEFA Champions League match between Atalanta Bergamo v Ajax at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d Italia on October 27, 2020 in Bergamo Italy.

Manchester United are among clubs interested in the services of Ajax’s Ryan Gravenberch, who is courted by a host of European clubs including Barcelona.

According to Mirror, Ajax is braced for a potential transfer battle in January regarding the services of Ryan Gravenberch. Manchester United and FC Barcelona are just among few clubs interested in acquiring the Dutch midfielder.

The 18-year-old is being regarded as the next big thing to come out of the Ajax youth academy that has already produced quality players like Donny van de Beek, Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong over the past few years. He most notably made an impact after appearing against Liverpool in the opening matchday of the UEFA Champions League.

As a result, clubs like Manchester United, Juventus and Barcelona are keeping close tabs on Gravenberch. And although Ajax won’t be too keen on cashing in on their youngster just yet, the ongoing financial crisis inflicted by the Coronavirus might just force them to rethink their intentions.

United, in particular, could potentially have an excellent chance of getting their hands of Gravenberch, having already done business with Ajax in the summer, with the arrival of van de Beek.

Moreover, the young midfielder has the same agent as Manchester United ace Paul Pogba – Mino Raiola. It could play a key role in speeding up potential negotiations as the Red Devils look to continue their market policy of investing in talented youngsters across European football.

The Premier League giants have most notably signed Facundo Pellistri in the summer while Amad Diallo was signed from Atalanta. But more importantly, it is manger Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who deserves a lot of credit for placing faith on youngsters, having played a crucial in the meteoric rise of Mason Greenwood.

Manchester United, therefore, could be an appealing destination for Gravenberch, though the 18-year-old would ideally want to move to FC Barcelona, where he can unite with ex-Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Barcelona, under Ronald Koeman, are still pretty much a work in progress. But, the Spanish giants have shown a lot of promise towards a potential rebuild by putting their faith on youngsters like Ansu Fati, Pedri and Trincao.

Gravenberch, in that regard, could have an excellent opportunity to make a breakthrough, although he will have to compete with the likes of Carles Alena, Sergio Roberto as well as Riqui Puig, as far as the first-team is concerned.


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