Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United are in contention to sign TSG Hoffenheim playmaker Christoph Baumgartner this summer.
According to a report from SportBild (h/t Sport Witness), Christoph Baumgartner is staring at an uncertain future at TSG Hoffenheim. The player is contemplating a potential exit from Sinsheim at the end of the season, amid interest from Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool.
The report suggests the English clubs are serious about signing the young playmaker in the coming summer. But they may have to meet his release clause which stands at around €30 million. Due to the clause, Hoffenheim will be powerless in preventing the player to leave the club, despite the midfielder having a contract until 2025.
Formerly of St. Polten in his native Austria, Baumgartner has been one of the rising stars in the Hoffenheim side over the past couple of years. Since making his professional debut during the 2019/20 campaign, the youngster has been crucial to the club’s creative department, racking up 22 goals and 14 assists in 100 competitive matches.
Although an attacking midfielder by trade, Baumgartner has made a solid impression with his creativity and attacking versatility. Aside from his favoured number ten role, he can operate out wide and has the technical prowess and game awareness to create clear cut goal opportunities for his team.
The 22-year-old’s impressive performances have helped him become an integral part of the Austria setup, now set to be coached by Manchester United’s Ralf Rangnick. One would assume, the German tactician is now hoping to use that connection to possibly lure the Hoffenheim starlet to Old Trafford this summer.
The Red Devils are in the market for a new playmaker this summer, as they look to part ways with several star players in the team including Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba, who has recently been linked with a shock move to Newcastle United.
Another club in contention to sign Baumgartner are Liverpool. The Reds must add more depth in the midfield unit next season, with question marks over the future of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Furthermore, Jurgen Klopp’s side lack the services of a creative-minded midfielder.
Baumgartner fits the bill well. He offers significant experience at the highest level of football and his versatility could open up multiple tactical possibilities for Klopp. He could be a direct upgrade over Oxlade-Chamberlain and for a fee of just €30 million, Baumgartner could be nothing short of a bargain this summer.
