Bayern Munich started making changes to the midfield department this summer. The Bavarian club confirmed the signing of Konrad Laimer on Friday. The Austrian midfielder joins Bayern on a free transfer after the end of his contract at RB Leipzig. Laimer will not be the only midfield signing for Rekordmeister this summer.
Die Roten ended their pursuit of signing Declan Rice from West Ham United on Tuesday, but they are expected to explore other options for the number six options. The new midfield signings will impact the future of midfielders that were already present in the squad.
Ryan Gravenberch is one of the midfielders at Bayern that may look for a transfer in the next couple of months. The Dutch midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, but talks are yet to take place between the two clubs for transfers. Hasan Salihamidzic’s departure at Die Roten may pave the way for Gravenberch’s exit.
Despite persistent speculation around his future, Ryan Gravenberch is yet to make a final decision. While talking to De Telegraaf (via Football Oranje) this week, Gravenberch insisted that a decision over his future will be made after U21 Euros. He will hold talks with Thomas Tuchel to know about his role next season.
"“There may be plans with me. I haven’t really spoken to the trainer about that yet, that will come after the European Championship when I’m back from Georgia and Romania. Then we’ll see how things are.”“I just want to play more, preferably at Bayern Munich. And otherwise at a club where I play 100 percent. That’s my preference. Because I don’t want to have another year like the one I’ve had now. One like that. One season is good, I really learned a lot. But I just want to play football.”"
Gravenberch also admitted that he was frustrated with next to no game time under Julian Nagelsmann. However, he was pleased with some sort of turnaround under Thomas Tuchel in the last two months of the season. The Dutch midfielder enjoyed a good amount of playing time under Tuchel.
The lack of playing time at Die Roten made sure Gravenberch was not included in the Dutch squad for the World Cup 2022. The 21-year-old midfielder was part of the senior squad last season when he was playing regularly at Ajax. He will be hoping to get back in the squad for next summer’s Euros by getting consistent game time next season.
The arrival of Laimer and one more midfielder will definitely impact Gravenberch’s chances of getting consistent playing time. The Dutch international will have to look for clubs that will give him assurances over game time. Bayern will want to get back the fee they paid for him in 2022 if they decide to part ways with him.
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Meanwhile, Marcel Sabitzer looks destined to leave Bayern this summer. The Austrian midfielder was on loan at Manchester United during the second half of last season. He will struggle to get adequate playing time at Die Roten. Die Roten will hope to get good offers for him after his good loan spell at Manchester United.