Liverpool are believed to be showing an interest in TSG Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.
The Austrian has risen to prominence in the Bundesliga over the last 12 months and continued to impress during Austria’s run in Euro 2020.
Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp is widely expected to find a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum this summer after the Dutchman left the club as a free agent.
According to a report from German outlet Kicker, as cited by Anfield Watch on Twitter, the 21-year-old could be among the contenders.
Twitter:
NEW: Liverpool are showing an interest in the 20-year-old Austrian midfielder Chrisoph Baumgartner. #awlive [kick… https://t.co/K0WkyGXKwR (@AnfieldWatch)
The report claims that arch-rivals Manchester United are also keen on the 13-cap Austrian starlet – albeit only a ‘mega offer’ is likely to prompt a sale ahead of next season.
Baumgartner scored nine times and registered seven assists in 41 appearances in 2020/21.
Described as an ‘extremely talented player’ by Director Football at Hoffenheim Alexander Rosen, the youngster looks set to become a star on the big stage very soon.
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Valued at £19.8million and under contract until 2025 in Germany (Transfermarkt), the Bundesliga club certainly hold all the power over any potential move.
Noted for being a more attack-minded midfielder, Baumgartner wouldn’t;t be a like for like replacement for Wijnaldum, instead a nod towards the use of a number 10 – a role unfilled since Philippe Coutinho left Merseyside.
Compared to Mezut Ozil and Thomas Muller, the sky certainly seems to be the limit for the young Austrian.
