Arne Slot is eager for Liverpool to outmaneuver some of their major rivals in the transfer market this summer,
Arne Slot is eager for Liverpool to outmaneuver some of their major rivals in the transfer market this summer, targeting a promising European striker.
According to SportBild, the Reds’ new head coach has set his sights on Maximilian Beier, the Hoffenheim forward who has also attracted interest from Manchester United, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest. Beier, 21, has a release clause of £27.4 million in his current contract, which runs until 2027.
Liverpool fans might recall the last time the club signed a striker from Hoffenheim: Bobby Firmino. Interestingly, there are several statistical parallels between Beier’s recent performances and Firmino’s final season at Anfield in 2022/23.
FBref data shows that Beier and Firmino had similar metrics for shots per game (3.05 vs. 2.89, with Beier leading), completed passes (550 vs. 566), and league goals (16 vs. 11). Both players also recorded the same number of tackles won (12) and had identical success rates in aerial duels (33%).
Last season, Beier averaged nearly a goal every two games in the Bundesliga, with only Mo Salah surpassing this tally for Liverpool by scoring 18 goals in the Premier League (WhoScored).
Should Beier join Liverpool, he would face stiff competition from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo for a starting position. However, considering his impressive scoring record for a Hoffenheim side that finished seventh in the league, his potential goal tally could soar with the superior service he’d receive at Anfield.
While other areas of the squad might take precedence in Liverpool’s transfer plans this summer, securing a striker of Beier’s caliber, especially one reminiscent of Firmino, would be an exceptional move. Outpacing Manchester United to this signing would be particularly satisfying for the Reds.
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