Liverpool battle Man City for the 'Serbian Messi'

Tom Weber

Updated: 15 Oct 2024 11:49 BST
3 min read

Arne Slot, Liverpool, Pep Guardiola, Man. City — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Liverpool and Manchester City are among the clubs interested in Andrija Maksimovic, according to a report.

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The 17-year-old attacker already enjoys a glittering reputation in his home country, with some going so far as to brand him the 'Serbian Lionel Messi.'

Maksimovic has experienced a rapid rise to prominence in Serbia where he plays his football for Belgrade giants Red Star. Such has been his ascent that he already features for the senior national team despite his youth.

The attacking midfielder, who can also feature on the right wing, became Serbia's youngest-ever debutant against Switzerland on Saturday, yet as late as September he was still playing his football for Red Star's second-division feeder team Graficar.

After three goals and two assists in five Prva Liga matches, Maksimovic was promoted to the senior side full-time, so far featuring in four league games and one Champions League outing against Inter this term. He has contributed with one assist.

Maksimovic in demand

The teenager's rise to fame has not gone unnoticed outside of Serbia. According to Sky Germany, Maksimovic has attracted the attention of Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Liverpool and Man City.

So far, no concrete talks with the player have taken place, but there is a belief that he is keen to take the next step in his career in the summer. It is thought that the attacker would cost at least €15 million, though that price is expected to skyrocket even further if he keeps on impressing.

Maksimovic is still under contract until 2027, so suitors will have to match his employers' demands in the summer transfer window. At this stage, "the race to sign the Serbian Messi has only just begun," according to reporter Patrick Berger.