Man United & Liverpool-linked Christoph Baumgartner outlines plans for next season

Baumgartner shines at Euro 2020

Christoph Baumgartner is currently plying his trade in Germany with Hoffenheim, whom he joined as a youngster back in July of 2017.

Despite being just 21 years of age, Baumgartner has already notched 71 appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit.

Across these outings, the attack-minded midfielder has scored 16 and assisted 13, of which nine goals and seven assists came during the 2020/21 campaign.

Baumgartner’s fine club form, meanwhile, saw him earn a place in Austria’s Euro 2020 squad.

The country, before this summer, had never made it out of the group phase of the competition. But wins over North Macedonia and Ukraine saw Austria finish 2^nd in their group. And the only goal of their crucial victory over the latter came courtesy of Baumgartner.

Baumgartner speaks on future amid Man United & Liverpool links

On the back of his fine Euro 2020, both Manchester United and Liverpool were said to be showing an interest in the midfielder.

Liverpool are potentially in need of some fresh legs in midfield following the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum.

And with Baumgartner capable both offensively and defensively, perhaps Jurgen Klopp could have moulded the Austrian into a similar player to Wijnaldum, who was a lot more attack-minded before he linked up with the Reds.

However, it appears that Baumgartner will not be joining either of the aforementioned Premier League sides this summer

The player has commented on his future in a recent interview, and claimed his clear plan is to stay and play for Hoffenheim next season:

“My clear plan is to play for Hoffenheim next season.

“I definitely extended my contract in March with the intention to play here next season,” he added.

“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.”

Liverpool make bid for FC Porto midfielder Otavio

Liverpool’s fans should be excited by the latest training ground footage of Virgil van Dijk

from Football (soccer) greatest goals and highlights | 101 Great Goals - Feed https://ift.tt/361zU8b
via IFTTT