Leeds fans in awe of Ajax star following 4-0 drubbing, would cost £25.5m

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It was a painful match to watch for Leeds United fans – and perhaps a stark reminder as to the level they can achieve. Following a top-half finish, fans were hoping to push on and reach European football in 21-22. Ajax took Leeds apart, winning 4-0 – and Leeds fans want Ryan Gravenberch signed.

It was the second of two Leeds friendlies against Ajax. Earlier in the day, a Leeds side that consisted of Under-23 players and a sprinkling of senior players took to the field and lost 3-1 to Ajax. But it was much more first-team based on Wednesday evening, at the Johan Cruyff ArenA.

Leeds named a near-enough full-strength aside, apart from Kalvin Phillips who is still on his way back to fitness after starting pre-season late. He was afforded 45 minutes in the first match, alongside the likes of Liam Cooper, Adam Forshaw, Tyler Roberts and Ian Poveda.

While it is only pre-season, Leeds were embarrassed. Ajax cruised to victory, thanks to goals from Davy Klaassen, Perr Schuurs, Gravenberch and Danilo. It is, perhaps, a well-timed reminder for fans and players alike not to get carried away – but it was not the only takeaway for Leeds fans.

Gravenberch showed Leeds fans why there is so much hype

Little surprise that Ajax have produced another gem. At 19, the midfielder has already clocked up 61 senior appearances for the Dutch giants. While he is renowned for his passing, work rate and low centre of gravity – Gravenberch has also had a hand in 16 goals during those 61 games.

On Wednesday night, he showed off his goal threat at the expense of Leeds and Illan Meslier. The best part of 30 yards out, the seven-time Netherlands international drove forward before unleashing a venomous strike. The pure power of the shot proved too much for Meslier, nestling in the corner.

The Mail report – as per Gazzetta Dello Sport – that Liverpool and Chelsea are both looking at £25.5million-rated Gravenberch. It is easy to see why. He is only going to get better and if he can perform the way he did against Leeds, who knows how good he is going to be in a year or two.

Leeds fans implore Orta to sign Gravenberch this summer

Leeds, meanwhile, desperately need a signing in midfield. They need a player that can cover Kalvin Phillips as a four, cover Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich who are now both in their thirties – and perhaps offer another alternative as a 10. Gravenberch can do all three positions.

Leeds have been strongly linked with Rodrigo De Paul – but he has joined Atletico Madrid. Italian newspapers have suggested on numerous occasions that Leeds were close to signing Nahitan Nandez from Cagliari – but Inter look more likely. Hertha Berlin’s Matheus Cunha remains an option.

But having watched Gravenberch, Leeds fans have taken to Twitter in a bid to convince their club to consider a move for the Ajax talent. At a fee less than the one Leeds paid to sign Rodrigo, a move is financially viable. Leeds fans think Gravenberch is just what they need in the middle of the park.