Bayern Munich’s move for Fulham midfielder João Palhinha appears to be off, but this shouldn’t have any effect on Liverpool’s deal for Ryan Gravenberch.
As the German transfer window slammed shut at 17:00 BST, it was widely reported that the German champions’ move for the Portuguese holding midfielder had fallen through as Fulham refused to sign off on the deal, in turn casting some doubt on the Gravenberch move.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the 28-year-old had passed his medical and had been photographed wearing a Bayern shirt. However, Fulham couldn’t find a replacement in time and, as a result, the green light from the West London club never came.
Gravenberch’s replacement at the Allianz?
It had been previously reported that the Gravenberch deal wouldn’t be authorised until Palhinha came through the door in Bavaria. Although not a like-for-like replacement, the departure of the Netherlands international would leave Thomas Tuchel’s team numerically short in the midfield department.
However, according to Romano, the Gravenberch transfer “should be and will be fine”.
Liverpool deal for Ryan Gravenberch was not dependent on Bayern Munich signing Joao Palhinha. Everything progressing towards Gravenberch being announced as Liverpool player later tonight.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) September 1, 2023
Meanwhile Paul Joyce reports that the 21-year-old has already passed his medical and everything is still on track for Gravenberch to be “announced as Liverpool player later tonight” with the transfer “not dependent” on Palhinha’s move.
READ MORE: What went wrong for Ryan Gravenberch at Bayern Munich?
Speaking earlier in the day at his press conference, Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel outlined the reasons why Gravenberch has been allowed to leave just a year on from his arrival in Bavaria.
“The main problem for him is that we don’t really play with a No. 8 in our 4-2-3-1 system,” Tuchel told reporters. “And we’re spoilt for choice up front, with really experienced players.
“Ryan is a very nice, hard-working, committed player. He wasn’t happy with his situation. He sees the chance in Liverpool to fight for a place at number eight in a 4-3-3.
“He’s wanted to go for a while. An offer came in and we discussed it. It’s not done yet, but the outcome is clear.
