Xabi Alonso is reportedly set to hand former club Liverpool a headache and has made Ryan Gravenberch his "new wish" at Real Madrid.
Spanish outlet Fichajes.net reports that Gravenberch has emerged as a top target for Alonso, who wants the Dutchman to bolster his midfield. He has indicated to Florentino Perez that the 23-year-old would be a crucial signing and operate as his side's engine room while accompanying Aurelien Tchouameni in the double pivot.
Gravenberch has become one of Europe's best midfielders during his time at Anfield, excelling under Arne Slot and coming up with a goal in the Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday. He is a jack of all trades who is now on Madrid's radar and eyed as the next big signing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Xabi Alonso Pushing For Liverpool's Gravenberch
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Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 after a frustrating spell at the Allianz Arena. The £30m fee that the Reds paid for the Netherlands international was an absolute bargain as he stars in Slot's side as one of its most important players.
The Dutch midfielder's exploits haven't gone unnoticed, including by Alonso, who feels he can be an "organiser" with his physicality and ball-playing abilities. It's said that one of Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham or Federico Valverde could make way if Los Blancos were able to prise him away from Anfield.
The report claims that Liverpool values Gravenberch at €75 million (£65m), which they describe as a "high but affordable figure". The Premier League giants would likely laugh off this price tag, given he still has three years on his contract, and Madrid spent around £88m on Bellingham and £85m on Tchouameni.
Gravenberch, purportedly earning £150,000 per week (via Capology), has not indicated that he'd be open to leaving the Merseyside heavyweights, where he has been thriving and enjoying his football. His incredible rise at Anfield has resulted in him becoming a mainstay in the Netherlands' team.
Madrid are already eyeing his club teammate Ibrahima Konate ahead of the French defender's contract expiring in the summer of 2026. Reports in Spain suggest an agreement with the centre-back is already in place for him to follow Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Bernabeu.