Ryan Gravenberch has sparked major controversy across the football landscape after giving an explosive interview to the Dutch publication Voetbal International on Wednesday.
In the conversation, the Liverpool midfielder expressed deep dissatisfaction with how he is being used under manager Arne Slot, admitting that he currently feels “boxed into a system that stops me from showing who I really am as a player.” The 23-year-old, who arrived at Anfield in 2023 for a fee of around £34 million, didn’t hold back as he explained that the tactical setup has left him feeling stagnated. According to Gravenberch, the restrictive approach has prevented him from growing, ultimately leading him to question whether he can continue progressing at the club.
What shocked fans even further was his revelation regarding Barcelona. Gravenberch confirmed that the Spanish giants had been in deep discussions with him over a potential transfer, one that reportedly reached a very advanced stage last week.
The deal, believed to be worth around £44 million, was much closer than anyone outside the negotiations had realised. But Gravenberch himself decided to pull the plug.
He explained that although the interest from Barcelona was flattering and the talks were moving quickly, he felt “the timing just wasn’t right,” prompting him to halt the process personally. This twist has led to a whirlwind of speculation about what his true intentions are for the future.
Meanwhile, over in Catalonia, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is continuing his push to bring in a new defensive midfielder — a role the team has struggled to properly reinforce since losing several crucial midfield battles in La Liga. Sources within the Barcelona hierarchy have made it clear that Gravenberch is seen as an ideal candidate for the position.
They view him as a strong, dynamic presence who can glide through press lines, carry the ball over long distances, and provide defensive coverage across vast areas of the pitch. His athletic profile and technical skill set reportedly make him one of the standout options for the club as they look to rebuild the spine of their squad.
Because of this, Barcelona are preparing a fresh attempt to secure his signature in January, and this new offer is expected to be significantly higher — somewhere in the region of £55 million. However, inside Liverpool, the message remains firm and unwavering: Gravenberch is not for sale.
The club continues to see him as an important part of their long-term project under Slot, despite the player’s growing frustration. This standoff sets the stage for a potentially dramatic winter window as both sides dig in and the midfielder’s future becomes increasingly uncertain.
