Liverpool and Everton are set to rival each other for the signing of Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier ahead of next season, according to reports. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in Germany and is thought to be attracting interest from several high-profile clubs.
Beier has scored six goals and registered four assists in the Bundesliga so far this season, helping Hoffenheim to stay within touching distance of the league’s top five. His impressive form has seen him emerge as a potential target for Liverpool and Everton, with Bild and Sky Germany reporting that both Merseyside clubs have been keeping close tabs on his development.
It is said that Beier has a release clause of around £25million after signing a new and improved deal at Hoffenheim earlier this year. Many clubs are thought to have already enquired about his signature, which could be up for grabs at the end of the season rather than in the January window.
The forward has already been considered for a Germany call-up by Julian Nagelsmann and looks to have a bright future in the game if he keeps developing at his current rate. However, it seems that he would be hard-pressed for regular first-team minutes if he ends up joining Liverpool or Everton in the summer.
The Reds’ forward line is already stacked full of talent, with the likes of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo set to rival Beier for a starting spot in the event of a move to Anfield. At Everton, he would need to force his way ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto in the pecking order to start up top.
Beier clearly has the potential to become a leading striker in Europe, though, after turning plenty of heads with his prolific form in Germany. Hoffenheim boss Pellegrino Matarazzo has already waxed lyrical over the forward, who he believes has every chance of developing into a top player in future.
“It’s important for him to even get into positions where he can shoot,” said Matarazzo. “He can manage that thanks to his dynamism and technique. You either have those genes or you don’t, and Maxi has those genes to score goals.
“He does a really good job and his speed is an absolute weapon, but his work mentality and the goal threat he exudes are also good for the team. I’m looking forward to his next steps.”
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