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Liverpool’s title defence has not followed the smooth path many expected, but one constant has been the importance of control in midfield. In a Premier League season where margins are tight and dominance is harder to sustain, clubs are increasingly focused on securing players who offer balance, reliability, and tactical intelligence.
For champions, that task becomes even more urgent. Rivals circle early. Contracts become leverage. Stability becomes strategy.
At Anfield, that reality is shaping internal planning. Liverpool are still competing at the top end of the table, but the campaign has exposed how valuable dependable midfield figures are across long stretches of games.
Injuries, rotation, and fixture congestion have all played their part. Against that backdrop, attention has quietly shifted toward protecting core assets rather than chasing noise in the market.
It is a familiar approach for a club that prefers continuity over panic. Only later does the focus narrow to the individual involved.
According to The Times, Liverpool are planning to open contract talks with Ryan Gravenberch, with the club keen to secure the long-term future of the Dutch midfielder. No formal discussions have taken place yet, but there is clear intent from Liverpool’s side. Gravenberch will enter the final two years of his current deal in the summer, a timeline that typically triggers action at Anfield.
The move reflects how central Gravenberch has become since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2023. Initially viewed as a long-term project, he grew into a focal figure during Liverpool’s 2024–25 Premier League title win.
Under Arne Slot, he was shifted into a deeper midfield role at the start of last season, a decision that unlocked his best form. His ability to play out of pressure, intercept danger, and drive forward with the ball gave Liverpool control in key matches, including high-profile wins away from home.
Gravenberch’s development has also been recognised beyond the club. He finished last season as the Premier League Young Player of the Season, underlining his status as one of the league’s standout midfielders. Liverpool’s desire to move early is not accidental. It is about locking down a player who now sits at the heart of their present and future plans.
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