Liverpool, Man Utd make up half of Baumgartner queue as attacking midfielder’s patience pays off
Bundesliga midfielder Christoph Baumgartner is freshly of interest to Liverpool, Manchester United and Leicester City, according to a report.
Baumgartner became a transfer commodity last summer, amid his involvement at Euro 2020 for Austria. Eventually, though, he decided to fulfil the current season with Hoffenheim, rather than consider a move to the likes of Liverpool or Manchester United.
But now, after a season in which he has scored six goals from 27 Bundesliga appearances, Baumgartner is being linked with big suitors again.
According to Bild, the attacking midfielder remains on the radar of Liverpool and Man Utd for a summer transfer. What’s more, Leicester City and Sevilla have also joined the race for his signature.
For any of them to sign him, they would likely have to meet a €30million (£25.2m) release clause in his Hoffenheim contract, which depends on what league the buyers are from. His terms with the German side are due to run until 2025.
And whereas last summer he felt it was too soon for a transfer to the Premier League, this year he is said to be considering his future.
If he wants to try his abilities in English football, there are three different avenues he can go down.
Liverpool may want him to add further quality to their midfield, having guaranteed strength in depth in the areas behind and in front. Jurgen Klopp has not lost track of which players from the Bundesliga may be worth investing in.
Coincidentally, Liverpool have also been linked with Baumgartner’s teammate David Raum in a deal that could cost a similar amount.
Baumgartner has three other interesting options
Man Utd, for their part, are about to begin a rebuild under Erik ten Hag. Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard are likely to leave as free agents in the summer in Baumgartner’s territory. Therefore, there could be spaces to fill.
Meanwhile, Leicester have fallen from their standards of the past couple of years this season. Injuries in certain areas have had an impact, so squad depth could be important to replenish.
Alternatively, Baumgartner could opt for La Liga as the next competition to test himself in if he bids farewell to the Bundesliga. Sevilla should have Champions League football on offer next season, too.
That would be a first for the 22-year-old; in terms of continental football, he has only ever played in the Europa League before (in the 2020-21 season). But he is making progress and could soon be ready for a step up.
It seems patience is paying off for Christoph Baumgartner.
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