Ryan Gravenberch’s career continues to capture attention across Europe, and now his agent has fueled speculation about a possible move to one of football’s most prestigious clubs—Real Madrid. Jose Fortes, a key figure at the renowned Team Raiola agency, recently opened up in an interview with Spanish publication Marca, expressing admiration for the idea of the Liverpool midfielder donning the famous white jersey of Los Blancos one day.
“Of course, playing for Real Madrid would be a dream move for Ryan,” Fortes revealed. This comment has sparked considerable buzz, particularly given Gravenberch’s strong performances this season under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The Dutch international, only 22, has matured into a central figure for the Reds, solidifying his role as the club’s first-choice holding midfielder. His growth this year has been impressive, especially after a relatively quiet debut campaign at Anfield.
Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich two years ago after a promising yet short stint in Germany. Under Jürgen Klopp, his first season in England lacked the consistency and impact fans had hoped for. However, the arrival of Arne Slot marked a turning point. Slot’s style of play has seemingly unlocked the potential many saw in the Dutchman during his Ajax days. Now, Gravenberch plays with confidence, control, and a deeper understanding of his role on the pitch—attributes that have not gone unnoticed by top European clubs.
Fortes’ comments suggest this admiration goes beyond just the usual media speculation. Having represented Gravenberch since childhood, Fortes has been deeply involved in the player’s development and career decisions. He recalled a pivotal moment when top clubs were already circling, offering tempting deals that could have changed Gravenberch’s trajectory much earlier.
“When Ryan was 16, Barca called us. They wanted to sign him, but his father and I prioritized his development,” Fortes shared. “At Ajax, he was able to develop in a way that he possibly wouldn’t have at Barca.” This decision reflects the long-term vision Fortes and Gravenberch’s family maintained, focusing not just on prestige but on the right environment for growth. The decision paid off—Gravenberch thrived at Ajax, where he joined at just eight years old and spent 12 formative years honing his craft.
The idea of Gravenberch moving to Madrid isn’t entirely new. There were murmurs of interest from the Spanish giants last November, though no formal approach was made at the time. Now, with Fortes openly expressing enthusiasm for such a move, the topic is back on the radar, especially as Real Madrid continues to plan for the future with young, technically gifted talents.
It’s also telling that Fortes didn’t limit his ambitions for just one client. In the same interview, he highlighted the potential for other Team Raiola players to land in La Liga. He hinted at a move to Real Madrid for Micky van de Ven, suggested Justin Kluivert could find a fit at Atletico Madrid, and even mentioned Brian Brobbey as a candidate for a club like Sevilla or Real Betis. The broader implication is clear: Fortes sees Spain’s top flight as an ideal stage for his most talented players.
As for Gravenberch, his focus remains on the present. Liverpool is competing on multiple fronts, and the midfielder’s contributions have become crucial. Yet, Fortes’ words have undeniably added fuel to the fire. The combination of youth, international experience, and technical prowess makes Gravenberch a prime target for Europe’s elite.
Whether or not a transfer to Real Madrid materializes, one thing is certain—Gravenberch’s trajectory is still climbing. His agent’s vision and past decisions have guided him wisely so far. And if Fortes’ dream does come true, the football world may soon witness Ryan Gravenberch taking center stage at the Santiago Bernabéu.
