Bayern Munich’s true feelings about Ryan Gravenberch’s transfer to Liverpool are a mix of regret and acknowledgment of his growth as a player. Gravenberch, who joined Liverpool in 2023 for a reported £40 million, has flourished under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, becoming a vital member of the team.

Gravenberch’s Transformation

Gravenberch’s success at Liverpool can be attributed to the playing time and trust he’s received from Slot. In contrast to his time at Bayern, where he struggled to find consistent opportunities, Gravenberch has blossomed into a world-class holding midfielder. His ability to adapt to different roles, including a more defensively-minded midfield position, has been key to his success.

Bayern’s Regret

Christian Falk, a renowned Bundesliga reporter, has revealed that Bayern Munich have “internal regret” over Gravenberch’s departure. The club knew his potential but failed to provide him with the necessary playing time. Falk stated, “Of course, there is internal regret over Ryan Gravenberch’s exit from FC Bayern. The club knew what he was capable of, but he needed playing time (which he’s been given at Liverpool) that he was never going to get at Bayern Munich.”

Comparison to João Palhinha

Bayern’s regret is further compounded by their decision to sign João Palhinha for €51 million (£43.2 million) as Gravenberch’s replacement. Palhinha hasn’t replicated Gravenberch’s form, making the Dutch midfielder’s success at Liverpool all the more striking. Falk noted, “If Tuchel had seen this, Bayern wouldn’t have spent €51m on João Palhinha.”

Impact on Bayern

Gravenberch’s flourishing career at Liverpool serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in transfer decisions. Bayern’s failure to utilize him effectively has led to a reevaluation of their approach to nurturing young talent. Meanwhile, Liverpool has benefited greatly from Gravenberch’s growth, with him providing extra protection to the team’s defense and becoming a key figure in Slot’s squad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bayern Munich’s true feelings about Ryan Gravenberch’s transfer are tinged with regret, as they acknowledge his growth and success at Liverpool. The club’s inability to provide him with consistent playing opportunities ultimately led to his departure, and they now face the consequences of their decision ¹ ².