Chelsea enter race for 17-year-old 'Serbian Messi'

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 15 Nov 2024 15:50 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool and Chelsea are among several top teams looking at teenage sensation Andrija Maksimovic, according to reports.

TeamTalk have reproted that several sides were in attendance to watch the 17-year-old in action this campaign for Red Star Belgrade.

The youngster is a verstaile attacker who can play as a No.10, in the centre of midfield, and even on the flanks. So far, he has 12 goal contributions in 16 appearances across all competitions for the Serbain SuperLiga club.

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The outlet state that there are other clubs lurking. "Maksimovic’s performances have captured the attention of Liverpool and Chelsea – two of the sides who have sent scouts to watch him this term. However, they are not alone and sources now have provided more exclusive information about the potential superstar’s future.

"Manchester City, Juventus and a number of Bundesliga sides are keeping tabs on Maksimovic’s situation, too. Sources have been clear though that moving him from Red Star will not be an easy task as they are in a strong position."

The piece goes on to say that there is an idea from his family that one day he will be playing for the likes of Real Madrid, with his talent up there with the best in the world.

The new Messi?

Before Red Star’s Champions League tie with Barcelona last week, the player spoke about Lamine Yamal, a youngster widely believed to one day take Mess's throne as the world's greatest.

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“We met up at the European Championship. A brilliant pthe layer, as well as [Pau] Cubarsi. We’re the same age. Tomorrow I’ll go out and show that I’m better than him [Yamal]," Maksimovic said in the pre-match press conference.

“Of course, I’m not nervous. This is what I’ve been waiting for. This is the Champions League. This is our sshort-changedands will be full and I’m glad I’ll be playing against the great Barcelona.”

Red Star wish to get Maksimovic signed to a fresh deal and it's thought that they will ask for a sigficant sum for their academy graduate, though it's not eben revealed how much that would be yet.