Liverpool have been told that they would be getting a good deal if they can sign Ryan Gravenberch in the summer as he is “better than Bellingham in every way.”
That’s according to Raphael van der Vaart, who believes spending the sums required for the Dutchman would be a smart piece of business for Jurgen Klopp and co.
Liverpool have been linked to the Bayern Munich midfielder over the course of the last week as they plan a major rebuild of their midfield this summer.
He’s emerged as a potential target after a miserable year at the German giants following a move from Ajax last summer.
He had arrived at the Allianz Arena as one of the stars of the future following his performances in Amsterdam but has found himself out of the picture in Bavaria, unable to force himself into the side under Julian Nagelsmann or Thomas Tuchel.
They’re keen to reinforce their midfield and had been keen on Bellingham, but his increasing price tag has pushed Liverpool out of the race.
They’re now looking at alternative options, but Van der Vaart believes they would actually be getting a better player in Gravenberch.
“Do you know what the most important thing is when you go to a new club? The first two weeks,” he said.
“You have to show in every training, every practice game that you are a rightful purchase. For Gravenberch, it would actually be good to rent him out to Ajax again.
“Can you remember any player who sat on the bench at Bayern in the 1990s? You make a lot of money… Nice and all, but no, you have to play football.
“What I think the big difference is: Bellingham is at a club a step lower and always plays. I think Gravenberch better than Bellingham in every way. Especially also in physicality.”
The claims have even raised eyebrows in the Netherlands, with Van Der Vaart well known for his strong opinions.
