The trip to Holland by sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and technical director Marco Neppe caused quite a stir around FC Bayern. The FCB organizers watched the Champions League game between Ajax Amsterdam and Benfica (0:1) on the spot last Tuesday and took a close look at three Ajax stars.
It has long been leaked that Munich are primarily interested in midfield jewel Ryan Gravenberch. The 19-year-old played in central midfield again against Benfica and is being traded at Säbener Straße as a possible replacement for Corentin Tolisso, who could leave the club in the summer.
Despite his young age, Gravenberch already has many different strengths, which Ajax expert and journalist Bart Veenstra talks about in detail in the podcast “Bavaria Insiders“Informed by “Bild” football boss Christian Falk.
Veenstra sees Gravenberch as a “very complete player” who already meets the highest demands in terms of running time, tackle rate, technique and flexibility.
A big deficit is still the presence of the Dutch youth international on the pitch. “He doesn’t have the reputation yet, he still has to work on his image. He’s still a bit shy, that still has to develop,” continued the Ajax expert.
He is certain that, in addition to Bayern and various England clubs, Paris Saint-Germain from France and FC Barcelona from Spain are already on Gravenberch. The youngster is only contractually bound to Amsterdam until 2023.
In addition to the midfield jewel, the Munich team has also taken a liking to right-back Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan was also closely scrutinized by Salihamidzic and Neppe. Mazraoui has recently been linked more and more specifically with a Barca move, and a deal with the Catalans is said to be imminent.
According to the “Bild” football boss, the third Ajax flirt should be winger Antony. The right winger has played an outstanding season on the wing, for example in both victorious group games in the Champions League against BVB.
Antony should cost 50 to 60 million euros – at least
Bayern bosses are said to be impressed by the Brazilian’s speed and dribbling ability. Looking at the 22-year-old, Ajax insider Bart Veenstra is enthusiastic: “He’s the sensational player from Ajax. He’s so agile, can play passes so quickly. He has so much technique, he’s a comet. If When he’s really in a good mood, nobody can stop him.”
Antony could become a real option at FC Bayern if there is actually no agreement on a contract extension with national player Serge Gnabry in the coming weeks.
In this case, Gnabry would probably be sold this year. The transfer earnings could then be refinanced in Antony. However, the left foot still has a long-term contract with Ajax until 2025 and should cost at least 50 to 60 million euros.