Liverpool are now leading the race to sign Sporting Club midfielder Morten Hjulmand ahead of the summer transfer window.
Why Liverpool should prioritise Gravenberch support
Ryan Gravenberch was on top of the world last season. Any career concerns had been put to bed. His Bayern Munich spell was long behind him and at long last, he had a manager who knew how to get the best out of him in Arne Slot. But as he knows more than most, success is not linear.
The Dutchman, without adequate competition, has struggled to replicate last season's success at times. From irreplaceable, Liverpool eased past Fulham in his absence on Saturday and that should spark a major red flag.
Ryan Gravenberch P90 24/25 25/26
Minutes 3,168 2,566
Tackles 1.96 1.82
Recoveries 5.48 4.1
Duels Won 5.23 4.84
Gravenberch's numbers have decreased in a number of key, out of possession metrics and that will come as no surprise for those who have watched a laboured Liverpool throughout the current campaign.
Despite spending over £400m last summer, breaking their transfer record twice, those at Anfield should look to spend big again to fix several prominent issues, including in midfield.
With Alexis Mac Allister also struggling to reach last season's standards, it's often been left to Dominik Szoboszlai to pick up the pieces - enjoying an excellent individual campaign in the process.
But even his stunning strikes have not been enough to hide Liverpool's clear struggles off the ball. Slot desperately needs that to change this summer and could do so by welcoming Hjulmand.
Liverpool leading race to sign Hjulmand
As reported by Caught Offside, Liverpool are now in pole position to sign Hjulmand, who is valued at around £34m by Sporting CP - the exact fee the Reds once paid for a certain Sadio Mane, which is perhaps a good omen.
morten-hjulmand-sporting
Alas, it's not just the Reds who are chasing his signature. Alongside them, Manchester United are also jostling to lead the race and could push their rivals all the way this summer.
Interest from both clubs should come as no surprise, given the praise that Hjulmand has received in Portugal over the years. And that includes from former Man United manager Ruben Amorim, who dubbed the Dane "fantastic" during his time at Sporting.
Hjulmand P90 25/26
Minutes
Tackles
Duels Won
Recoveries
Chances Created
Hjulmand has not only outperformed Gravenberch this season, but he's even bettered his numbers in key areas from last season, when the Liverpool man was rated so highly.
Liverpool's Florian Wirtz Related
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Judgement day is approaching for under-fire Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
At 26 years old, the Sporting midfielder is at the peak of his powers and seemingly ready to hand a Premier League side a bargain deal this summer. Whether that's Liverpool or Man Utd remains the big question, however.