Journalist Reveals Real Madrid ‘Were Interested’ in Liverpool Star but Move is Highly Unlikely | OneFootball

Ryan Gravenberch’s Agent Comments Misunderstood, Says Lewis Steele

In the ever-bubbling pot of football transfer speculation, few topics spark quite as much online buzz as a potential move to Real Madrid. This week, it was Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch at the centre of attention following comments made by his agent, José Fortes Rodriguez. But according to Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail, the reaction may have been overblown.

Speaking on the Media Matters podcast hosted by Dave Davis for Anfield Index, Steele was clear that the context behind the interview had been “slightly misqued”.

Agent Profile Piece, Not a Transfer Hint

“There’s been a lot of reaction to this,” said Steele, referring to the comments made by Rodriguez. “The interview is probably quite important in its context. José was doing an interview about himself — it was a piece about him, not about Gravenberch.”

Rodriguez, who also represents other Dutch talents such as Micky van de Ven and Brian Brobbey, briefly mentioned Real Madrid’s previous interest in Gravenberch during the profile. But according to Steele, this wasn’t meant to suggest any current negotiations or intent.

“Real Madrid were interested in the past,” he clarified, “but it’s not to say they’re still interested now.”

No Indications Gravenberch Wants to Leave Liverpool

Despite the noise generated on social media, Steele was unequivocal about Gravenberch’s current mindset: “From people I speak to, he’s loving life at Liverpool — and that’s not going to change anytime soon.”

The message was clear: this was not a case of a player angling for a move or even seriously weighing up his options. Instead, it was a routine comment from an agent, misinterpreted in the ongoing swirl of transfer discourse.

“It’s just an agent being honest,” Steele said. “I do think it’s a bit of a storm in a teacup.”

Photo: IMAGO

Social Media Reaction Overshadows Reality

The quote from Gravenberch’s agent, while intriguing, seems to have taken on a life of its own, driven by the usual speculation that comes with Real Madrid’s name being mentioned.

Steele said the media frenzy around the comment did not match its significance: “I think what he was trying to say has probably been lost in translation slightly… it’s been slightly misqued.”

This isn’t the first time agents’ remarks have been interpreted as a transfer pitch, especially in April, when the summer window looms large and clubs begin to plan. But in this case, Steele’s verdict was simple and reassuring to Liverpool supporters: “There’s no suggestion that Gravenberch wants out.”

Anfield Remains Home for Now

At 21, Ryan Gravenberch is still settling into life at Anfield. After joining from Bayern Munich last summer, he’s shown glimpses of the dynamic presence that made him such a coveted prospect in the Netherlands.

Lewis Steele’s comments reaffirm what many close to the club have already indicated: Liverpool’s midfield rebuild includes Gravenberch, and there are no internal signs pointing towards an early exit. The Dutch midfielder is part of the plan under Arne Slot, and his agent’s remarks, while headline-grabbing, are just part of the noise.

For now, Gravenberch remains focused on his development — and as Steele aptly concluded, “That one will quickly pass.”