Journalist: Liverpool Leading Bundesliga Giants in the Race to Sign £13m Midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool Leading the Charge for Serbian Prodigy Andrija Maksimovic

Liverpool’s transfer activities have always been a topic of keen interest and the summer of 2024 was no exception. Amidst a backdrop of high hopes and slight disappointments, the club’s pursuit of pivotal players like Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad turned heads but didn’t bear fruit. Despite the readiness to activate a €60m release clause, Zubimendi chose to remain with his lifelong club, a move that left Liverpool recalibrating their strategy.

With key positions needing reinforcement, particularly in midfield and defense, Liverpool’s focus has slightly shifted towards bolstering their attacking options. According to Christian Falk of Caught Offside, Liverpool are now keen on securing the talents of Andrija Maksimovic, a young Serbian midfielder, spotlighting him as a crucial target.

Maksimovic: The Rising Star from Serbia

Andrija Maksimovic, often hailed as the “Serbian Messi” for his impressive technical skills and dribbling, is making waves across Europe with his performances. At just 17, he has already debuted for the Serbian national team, becoming their second-youngest player to do so. His ability to adapt across multiple attacking roles makes him an ideal prospect for Liverpool, known for their preference for versatile players.

Photo: IMAGO

Christian Falk reports, “Dortmund see Andrija Maksimovic, 17, as one of the next big jewels in football – like they saw in Jamie Gittens for instance.” However, it appears Dortmund are not moving decisively at this stage, which positions Liverpool and other English clubs as frontrunners in this transfer race.

Liverpool’s Edge Over Dortmund

While Borussia Dortmund is often a nursery for budding talents, their current stance on Maksimovic is lukewarm at best. Falk adds, “But it’s not so concrete at the moment that they’re planning on buying him… It’s not so hot at the moment, so not the next one they’re going to buy.” This leaves the door open for Liverpool, who are reportedly more committed to the chase.

Given Manchester City and Juventus are also in the mix, Liverpool’s proactive approach could be crucial in clinching Maksimovic’s signature. The youngster’s contract with Red Star Belgrade extends till 2027, with a transfer fee around £13 million suggested as fair value given his potential and early showings in the Serbian SuperLiga.

Photo: IMAGO

Impact on Liverpool’s Future

Securing a player like Maksimovic could significantly bolster Liverpool’s attacking options and provide them with a fresh, dynamic talent capable of adapting to Arne Slot’s tactical setups. His addition would not only add depth but also offer a new dimension to Liverpool’s gameplay, which is crucial in maintaining competitiveness on all fronts.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The potential acquisition of Andrija Maksimovic by Liverpool is an exciting prospect. The young Serbian’s talent and versatility could make him an invaluable asset for Arne Slot’s squad. His early performances and the skills he has demonstrated at such a young age highlight a maturity and readiness to take on challenges in more competitive leagues.

The departure of Jurgen Klopp earlier this year left some big shoes to fill, and with Arne Slot at the helm, it’s crucial that the team evolves both tactically and personnel-wise. Maksimovic, with his knack for creating opportunities and his ability to play across multiple positions, seems like the kind of player who could thrive under Slot’s guidance.

Moreover, Liverpool’s ability to identify and invest in young talent like Maksimovic ahead of rivals such as Dortmund and Manchester City showcases a strategic foresight that could pay dividends in the coming years. It’s an exciting time to be a Liverpool supporter, watching the club shape a new era that promises both talent development and tactical innovation.