Teenage Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch celebrates after scoring a goal during an Eredivisie match back in January. (Getty Images)
According to Italian publication Calciomercato (h/t Daily Express), Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
The teenage midfielder, who has another 12 months of his contract left at Ajax, recently rejected a contract proposal, putting himself on the radar of Man United.
An Ajax academy product, Gravenberch has had a breakthrough campaign with the Eredivisie champions, featuring 12 times for them across all competitions. He has also impressed with three goals and one assist in the process for Ajax, giving a clear idea of the talent that he is.
Despite still in his teens, Gravenberch has broken into the first-team line-up this season, proving his worth in Erik ten Hag’s side.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been building a team filled with young and hungry upcoming talents, which was evident from their signings last summer. United roped in youngsters Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the two have gone on to become regular starters for the club after their impressive on-field displays.
Solskjaer also handed first-team debuts to the side’s academy players Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams, who have established themselves as key members in the side’s first-team line-up this season.
With the side’s youngsters delivering the goods for them this season and growing in stature, it would be wise of United to make a move for a young talent like Gravenberch. If it clicks, it would be a brilliant investment.
Also, his current contract situation at Ajax looks like a window of opportunity for the Red Devils, who should now once again reignite their interest in their former target.
Moreover, Gravenberch suits the mould of young, hungry talents with which Solskjaer is trying to build a team at Old Trafford. Hence, United signing a rising talent like Gravenberch looks like a match made in heaven.
Manchester United’s decision to keep faith in the side’s youngsters has borne fruit this season considering James, Wan-Bissaka, Greenwood and Williams’ rise to the top. Hence, they should not hesitate but make a move for Gravenberch, who has already proved himself at Ajax. He is still young and could prove to be an excellent future investment by the club.
