Liverpool and Aston Villa Clash Over Serbian Sensation

According to an article published in the Liverpool Echo Liverpool and Aston Villa are involved in a race to sign the Serbian 17-year-old midfielder Andrija Maksimovic from RedStar Belgrade. The European classes have also been impressed by the Serbian wonderkid over his Champions League performances, attracting interest from big clubs, RB Leipzig, and Atletico Madrid.

And Maksimovic’s agent Zoran Stojadinovic has confirmed the likes of Liverpool and Aston Villa are interested in the 27-year-old. Red Star Belgrade have placed a €20m (£16.7m/$20.7m) asking price on the midfielder but some clubs are expected to go in for lower bids before a summer transfer tussle begins.

Serbias Next Big Star: The Case For Maksimovic

Talented European young startup Andrija Maksimovic who made him self well-known fast taken birth in Serbia. The teenage midfielder has 7 goals in 26 appearances this season from all competitions and is known by the nickname “Messi” after he resembled the Argentine superstar as a child.

The midfielder was instrumental in Red Star Belgrade’s Champions League run, making six starts against teams like Inter Madrid, Barcelona, and AC Milan. His quick progression also secured him a position in the Serbian national team, where he is now the second-youngest ever debutant and has earned four caps.

Playing Style & Potential

He’s a talented attacking midfielder with great vision, skill, and intelligence. Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig is next, describing him as an “elegant playmaker with wow factor” and as someone who possesses “incredible vision and unpredictability.” He knows how to read the game and play the right pass, the classic No. 10 that many coaches and teams value in modern football.

Maksimovic had earned comparisons with Dinamo Zagreb’s 22-year-old Martin Baturina – valued at €30m -and given the double figure differences in the two prospective fee’s, Maksimovic could be seen as a steal at €20m to potential suitors in season 2023/24.

Interest on Transfers and Methods of the Club

Who filed the letters of intent with whom and why: Four-corner battle 

Liverpool, Aston Villa, RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid have all been given hope of signing Andrija Maksimovic – the in-demand Serbian midfielder’s agent Zoran Stojadinovic has confirmed! Nevertheless, the one that manages to nab the Serbian prospect in the end may well come down to financial and strategic considerations.

Liverpool’s Coordinated Strategy

With Arne Slot in charge of Liverpool, there seems to be a long-term plan in store. In the meantime, the Serbian international has already been noted as a player of interest by the club, though any such move will not come before the closure of the January transfer window. The Reds, in contrast, are planning for their summer reinforcements, with Slot insisting the size of the squad is key.

Slot recently stated:

“Liverpool should always be competing for a league title; we should always be competing for the Champions League. I know people question this because we haven’t done much in the transfer market, but we are planning for the summer.”

Although in the frame too, the longer Liverpool leave it before acting could see the Villa nip in with the move that stitches them up.

The Obvious Advantage For Aston Villa: The Tactical One?

Aston Villa has this relationship with Red Star Belgrade, Liverpool does not. The Blue Jackets snagged Kosta Nedeljkovic in a trade a few days earlier in January 2024, perhaps offering a potential inside lead in pitch talks.

Furthermore, Villa have the ownership, the funds and the need to add to their squad ahead of a European campaign next season. As manager Unai Emery gets the system running nice and hot, a technically gifted playmaker such as Maksimovic could prove crucial in their midfield conundrum.

What Red Star Are Saying: Stand Firm at €20m Valuation

Meanwhile, Maksimovic is under no pressure to sell under any circumstance to Red Star, who wants €20m (£16.7m/$20.7m) for him. However, club director Zvezdan Terzic insisted that the Serbian champions won’t entertain bids on the cheap:

“Against €20me, they say they will wait until June. If it was €10m, he would’ve been gone already.’

That means any side looking to sign Maksimovic will either have to stump up the cash now, or run the risk of a bidding war in the summer.

Financial & Logistical Obstacles

Big Concern Over Valuation: Is Maksimovic A €20m Player?

One of the main bones of contention is whether Maksimovic, at just 17, is worth his €20m valuation. The 19-year-old’s agent, Zoran Stojadinovic, has likened him to 22-year-old Dinamo Zagreb sensation Martin Baturina, who has a price tag of €30m (£25m/$32m).

Stojadinovic believes that Maksimovic’s potential is in the same category:

“If Baturina is a €30m player, then its a no-brainer that Maksimovic is worth €20m,”

But it is still seen as a gamble, particularly for a teenager who cannot leave the country until he is 18 in June 2024. As a result, many clubs are wary of paying such money.

January Vs Summer Transfer Window option

• January’s Deadline Pressure: Clubs face an immediate decision with the winter transfer window closing long before the season would normally end
• .
• Move in the summer: If they delay a potential move over the summer it gives more clubs a chance to enter the fray should they wish — thus raising the potential price for Maksimovic.

Expert & Agent Insights

Key Quotes

Agent Zoran Stojadinovic: “If he cost €10m he would’ve been sold already.”

Source: Arne Slot (Liverpool) Profile: We are satisfied with the squad, but summer planning

Jacek Kulig (Football Analyst): “A classic 10 with great vision.”

What’s Next?

Aston Villa may well move in before that January window shuts and Liverpool look a long way from making a play. They could have Maksimovic ahead of others if an agreement can be struck before then, however, as push for a deal pre-summer.

The Summer Ahead: A Summer War In The Making

If Maksimovic can maintain his excellent performance, competition for his signature will grow. A summer move could see:

A full-blooded auction between clubs.

Still, that should be worth something and Red Star are clearly sensing the demand here with the increased asking price.

With Maksimovic increasingly in demand, other Premier League clubs entering the race.

Conclusion

Liverpool and Aston Villa are keen to sign Andrija Maksimovic after learning of the 20-year-old’s rapid rise, while RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid are also reputable in the mix. His price tag of course, at €20m is likely to be a sticking point but being a player with Champions League experience, international pedigree, and technical brilliance, he could be an attractive prospect.