Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner has made it clear he won’t be joining Premier League giants Liverpool in the summer transfer window, speaking to Sport BILD, via BuliNews.
Six years after signing Roberto Firmino from the Sinsheim-based outfit, fresh faced and sporting a quiff of gravity-defying proportions, Liverpool are looking to bring in another exciting young attacker who has made his name at Germany’s most unpopular club – well, most unpopular until RB Leipzig exploded on to the scene.
But while Firmino had five years of Bundesliga football under his belt and arrived at Anfield with a catalogue of stunning goals and man of the match performances adorning an eye-catching CV, Baumgartner is a million miles from the finished article.
The 21-year-old Austria international only forced his way into Hoffenheim’s first team in late 2019.
And, according to Kicker, Baumgartner believes he would be better off sticking around and honing his talents further under former Bayern Munich reserve boss Sebastian Hoeness.
Liverpool and Manchester United are keen but, with four years left on his contract, it would take something special at this stage for Baumgartner to change his stance.
Why would Christoph Baumgartner snub Liverpool this summer?
“My clear plan is to play for Hoffenheim next season,” a man labelled ‘the new Michael Ballack’ by some said when asked specifically about Liverpool’s interest.
“I definitely extended my contract in March with the intention to play here next season.
“I believe I have the biggest opportunity to develop further here. For me, that means playing consistently at a high level with more room for improvement.”
Should Baumgartner build on a fine 2020/21 season, one in which he scored a career-best nine goals and dazzled in a variety of attacking midfield roles, Liverpool, Manchester United and others will certainly come calling again.
There’s plenty of time on his side and no reason to rush.
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