Austria midfielder Christoph Baumgartner has confirmed he is aware of rumours linking him with Liverpool, but was coy on whether he wants the move.
Baumgartner is one of many players to have been linked with Liverpool following the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain. The Dutchman will leave a big void to fill in their midfield, so they have been tipped to sign a replacement.
After showing his potential with Hoffenheim, Baumgartner has emerged as a potential option.
The 21-year-old would not be a like-for-like replacement for Wijnaldum. He can play in a slightly more attacking role than the former number five. However, he would be a useful additional body in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.
If they have any intention of bidding for the Bundesliga star, it appears they will have to wait, though. While on Euro 2020 duty with Austria, Baumgartner has revealed his response to the rumours.
“In this tournament there is not much time to think about rumours like that,” he said (via Tribal Football).
“In my career I have already learned that they always link you to other clubs.
“I don’t want to deny that I like hearing some of that, but at the moment that’s not a topic at all for me and I focus on the tournament.
“It’s part of the job to deal with those kind of rumours; I already have experience with that. It’s better to have those rumours than rumours in other areas.”
Baumgartner hoping to carry on Euros adventure
Baumgartner is under contract until 2023 and Hoffenheim could raise his asking price with a productive Euros.
Austria are in with a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages going into their final group game against Ukraine. Both countries are level on points so the winner will qualify for the Round of 16.
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Baumgartner has started both of Austria’s group games so far as an attacker. Therefore, he could provide versatility were he to move to Anfield.
But Liverpool have many targets for his role and will be weighing their options up carefully.
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