Why Liverpool did not sign another No.6 as inside story of transfer three years in making revealed
It's nearly three years since Jurgen Klopp was first given a glimpse into the potential of Ryan Gravenberch.
Travelling to a young and upwardly mobile Ajax side as Premier League holders in October 2020, Liverpool were given a taxing examination in the Johan Cruyff ArenA as Gravenberch, at the age of 18, was selected in the middle of the park for the hosts in a Champions League group game.
Alongside a couple of more experienced colleagues in Davy Klaassen and Daley Blind, the teenager turned in an eye-catching display against the Reds in a behind-closed-doors fixture to further his burgeoning reputation as one of the big hopes of Dutch football.
Perhaps no academy in Europe can boast such historical success as the one in Amsterdam and Gravenberch appeared to be the latest in a long line of graduates who were destined for more. An own goal from Nicolas Tagliafico in the first half was enough for Klopp's side to emerge victorious but they were given a stern test in one of the continent's great but albeit empty cathedrals on the night.
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Gravenberch's performance was again notable at Anfield when played once more in a midfield trio alongside Klaassen and new West Ham United signing Edson Alvarez. It was another Ajax error that was enough for Liverpool to shade it as Curtis Jones pounced on a mistake from now Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana for a second 1-0 win.
Three years on from Reds boss Klopp's first look at Gravenberch up close and he is his player at £40m. But before that deal was rubberstamped, there was likely a pang of
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