"Sadio Told Me It Was the Right Move!" – Ryan Gravenberch Reveals Mane’s Influence on His Liverpool Transfer
Ryan Gravenberch opens up about his struggles at Bayern Munich, how Sadio Mane convinced him to join Liverpool, and his ambitions to win titles at Anfield.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has revealed how former Reds star Sadio Mane played a key role in convincing him to leave Bayern Munich and join the Premier League giants. The Dutch international, who had struggled for game time in Germany, said Mane’s glowing recommendation of Liverpool helped him make the big decision.
Gravenberch and Mane both joined Bayern Munich in 2022, but neither player had the impact they hoped for. While Mane managed 38 appearances with 12 goals and six assists, he was eventually sold to Saudi club Al-Nassr. Gravenberch, on the other hand, found himself stuck on the bench, starting only six of his 34 games for Bayern.
Speaking to LFC TV, Gravenberch admitted that during his time in Germany, he turned to Mane for advice about moving to Anfield.
“Sadio is a really nice guy, a really nice guy,” Gravenberch said. “When I was in Munich, I asked him about Liverpool. If it was a good step for me, how the club was, and everything. He said a lot of good things, so in my head I was like, ‘I have to go, I have to go!’”
Before arriving in Germany, Gravenberch was a key player at Ajax, playing regularly and developing into one of Europe’s most promising midfielders. But at Bayern, he found himself struggling to get into the team.
“I didn’t play a lot at Bayern Munich. I came from Ajax where I played every game. I was at the top of the group, then I went to a big club like Bayern and saw other players who were really good and really big. I wanted to play there, but it was difficult.”
The lack of playing time frustrated Gravenberch, but his parents helped him stay patient. He also learned an important lesson—always be ready.
“If you don’t play a lot, it’s really difficult. I could go four or five games without playing, then suddenly come on for 20 minutes. I had to show myself, but it was tough because I hadn’t played for a long time.”
Once he joined Liverpool in a £40 million move on transfer deadline day, Gravenberch had another challenge—proving himself to manager Jurgen Klopp. The German coach didn’t promise him an instant starting spot but made it clear that opportunities would come.
“I spoke to Klopp, the gaffer, and he told me, ‘You will get your minutes, you will get your chances. But then you have to show me if you are ready for it.’ That was always in the back of my head.”
Determined to make an impact, Gravenberch knew he couldn’t afford another season sitting on the bench.
“This year, I didn’t play a lot, and I didn’t want another season like that. I knew I had to show myself.”
Now, with a fresh start in England, Gravenberch is feeling more comfortable and is fully focused on helping Liverpool win trophies.
“Sometimes you have to adapt to a new club, a new country—everything is new. Now I feel comfortable. I want to win titles with Liverpool. For sure, the Premier League! I think that’s the thing we have to achieve this season.”
With Arne slot guidance and a squad full of talented players, Gravenberch is ready to prove why Liverpool brought him in. And thanks to Mane’s advice, he believes he made the right choice.