Bayern sign Gravenberch from Ajax - 2nd most expensive U20 signing in club history

This article first appeared May 25 and has been updated after Bayern Munich have made the deal official.

In Ryan Gravenberch, Bayern Munich have completed their second signing from Ajax. The Rekordmeister announced Noussair Mazraoui in May—the right-back has signed a contract until 2026. Gravenberch has signed a contract until 2027. Bayern Munich agreed a transfer with Ajax for the 20-year-old midfielder on May 25, but an announcement was delayed until today because of final details and a medical, which was completed on the weekend. 

"Ryan Gravenberch will bring a lot to our team. He's one of the biggest talents in Europe, has excellent technique, always finds solutions in the tightest of spaces, is very dynamic and a goal threat," Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said in a club statement. "The fact that he chose FC Bayern shows that he is convinced of our club and the opportunities we have. We love players with that mentality. We are convinced that we will celebrate much success with him.”

Ajax have announced a transfer fee of €18.5 million that can grow to €24 million thanks to add-ons. According to De Telegraaf, Ajax will also receive 7.5% of any future transfer. The Dutch national team player will become the second most expensive U20 signing in Bayern's history after Renato Sanches, who joined the club in 2016 for €35 million from Benfica.

Gravenberch doubles salary at Bayern - Most valuable player in the Eredivisie

Ajax initially demanded a fee in that category for the midfielder whose contract was set to expire at the end of next season—as a result, Bayern were able to reduce the original demands. Neither side was willing to accept a free transfer next summer. The most expensive Dutch player in Bayern's history is Arjen Robben; he joined the club for €25 million from Real Madrid in 2009, and Roy Makaay cost €19.75 million in 2003.

Financially, Gravenberch will make a gigantic step forward. According to De Telegraaf, Gravenberch earned €4 million before taxes per season at Ajax—at Bayern, that amount increases to €10 million. With a market value of €35 million, Gravenberch is the most valuable player in the Dutch Eredivisie. Gravenberch broke into the first team in 2020/21. The 20-year-old won his third Dutch title this season with Ajax and contributed two goals and five assists in 30 games.