Manchester City target Ryan Gravenberch has insisted he will not be leaving Ajax this summer unless the Dutch club can make a big profit from the sale.
Gravenberch is one of the hottest rated talents in Europe, with a series of impressive performances for Ajax in the Eredivisie and Champions League.
Like every big talent to emerge for the Dutch champions, he has subsequently been linked with a move away in the summer.
Manchester City are believed to be keen on his signature, with Soccer News recently reporting they have the midfielder on their transfer ‘wish list’.
They could look to take advantage of the fact Gravenberch’s contract with Ajax expires in 2023, meaning the Dutch side will be forced to sell to avoid losing the highly-rated prospect on a free if he doesn’t sign an extension.
City could easily afford a figure that would satisfy Ajax’s demands and those of the midfielder’s agent Mino Raiola, who is likely to demand a big sum as part of his commission.
Gravenberch has sent a warning to those in charge at the Etihad, though, stating suitors like Manchester City will have to pay up if they want him.
“It lies with my agent and my father. I do not know if I will leave this summer,” he told Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant.
“What I do know is that I will not leave if Ajax does not earn anything from me. I’ve played here the whole youth. Ajax has always been good to me. I owe a lot to the club. Then I can’t afford to leave on a transfer fee basis. That will not happen.
“On the other hand, it is not bad to step out of your comfort zone. A different league, different football, different life, different people around you. But that could also happen when you are 22.
“I think you have it largely in your own hands. I assume my own quality, and if it happens next summer, I feel ready. But it’s still a long way off.”
