Man City join Barcelona, Real Madrid in the race for Dutch midfielder

Ryan Gravenberch is set to become a hot transfer commodity in the summer later this year. The Ajax midfield sensation has grown into one of the most exciting prospects in Europe over the past couple of years and is primed for a bright future in the game.

The 19-year-old has made 89 appearances for the Dutch giants already, directly contributing to 21 goals, while he also has ten caps for the Netherlands national team. Big clubs across Europe are already casting admiring glances towards the youngster, who could be on the move in the summer.

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Fichajes), Barcelona and Real Madrid are on the hunt for Gravenberch’s signing but are now set to face competition from Premier League champions Manchester City.

Barcelona’s interest stems from the uncertainty surrounding the future of Frenkie de Jong. The former Ajax midfielder has struggled to perform at the level expected and is attracting serious interest from clubs around Europe.

With the Blaugrana needing to generate transfer funds, de Jong could be allowed to leave for a sizeable sum. And Gravenberch has reportedly been identified as a possible alternative, given his age and potential. However, competition from Real Madrid and Man City complicates matters.

With Real Madrid stalwarts Luka Modric and Toni Kroos nearing the final phase of their careers, Los Blancos are on the lookout for young midfield additions. And, the 19-year-old Ajax prodigy is seen as a viable target at the Bernabeu.

As for Manchester City, Fernandinho is in the final few months of his contract and will need to be replaced while Ilkay Gundogan is not getting any younger either. So, a move for someone like Gravenberch could be on the cards, with Pep Guardiola keen on strengthening his options.

The teenage midfielder will be entering the final year of his contract with Ajax in the summer and could be available for a knockdown price – something that will appeal to financially-crippled Barcelona. But with increasing competition for his services, the Catalans will need to act swiftly to sign Gravenberch.