​Father of Ajax whizkid Gravenberch puts huge dent in Liverpool transfer plans | OneFootball

Liverpool's hopes of securing Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch have been dealt a blow.

The player's father has objections to the 18-year-old moving to the Premier League club.

Gravenberch has impressed with Ajax this term, emerging as one of the most impressive young talents in Europe.

He has five goals and six assists as a box to box midfielder from 43 appearances for Erik ten Hag's team this term.

"He has to take that last step at Ajax. He just has to and he hasn't done that yet," Ryan Gravenberch senior told Ajax Showtime, via the Express.

"I want him to fully mature at Ajax, so as far as I'm concerned he will just stay at Ajax.

"He has only played one full season now and that was of course quite good, but next season he will have to play even better.

"Then, despite his age, he really must be one of the key players, especially if he plays in the European Championships [with the Netherlands].

"Next season, he will not get away with it in the dressing room if he plays poorly several games in a row.

"I really think he should take a step at Ajax first. He has to climb in the hierarchy and stand up more for himself within the squad.

"I'm not going to push him to do that, that makes no sense to Ryan. But he also realizes that. He also thinks it is best for him to stay at Ajax.

"In my heart – and also in Ryan's – he first continues to develop at Ajax before he takes a step higher."