Transfer
Baumgartner could be LFC’s next Firmino
Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders ahead of the transfer window, and now another name has been added to the long list of potential new Anfield additions this summer.
What’s the latest?
According to German news outlet SportBILD (via Sport Witness), Jurgen Klopp is ‘keeping a close eye’ on Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.
However, the report suggests that fierce rivals Manchester United are also in pursuit of the Bundesliga star, and Liverpool will need to compete with their fellow Premier League club to secure his signature this summer with what would be a ‘mega offer’ in the words of the report.
There is currently a release clause of €30m (£25.3m) on Baumgartner, which is reportedly a figure that won’t put off the potential suitors.
Klopp’s next Bobby Firmino
When Liverpool first acquired the impressive services of Roberto Firmino he was being deployed as a goal-scoring attacking midfielder at Hoffenheim, and with Baumgartner offering similar attributes from his midfield position Klopp may be eyeing up the Brazilian’s successor.
With Firmino set to be out of contract at the end of next season when he will be almost 32-years-old, it could be an amazing coup for Klopp if he could secure a young replacement to work alongside the impressive false nine to learn the role before he departs in the summer of 2023.
The £19.8m-rated ace who was hailed as “dangerous” by Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen, has clearly impressed the Liverpool manager and when you look at his output this season it will come as no surprise why.
Baumgartner has scored six goals and contributed one assist so far in 27 appearances for the Bundesliga club in the league, with six big chances created and 0.7 key passes on average per game, proving that at just 22-years-old the Austrian attacking midfielder has bundles of potential that Klopp can unleash in his team.
Should Liverpool consider replacing Firmino?
Ultimately, now that the German coach has committed his future with a two-year extension on his contract he will need to make some ruthless decisions on the ageing players in the squad, and if the reports are true on the interest in Baumgartner he could be well on his way to rebuilding key areas of his team with youth.
