Who is Andrija Maksimovic? Agent confirms Liverpool’s offer before transfer deadline day

Andrija Maksimovic is currently being linked with a transfer to Liverpool, as his agent confirms the club has made an offer ahead of the January transfer deadline. While specifics are still unclear, the situation is attracting significant attention.

Maksimovic, a rising star from Serbian SuperLiga champions Red Star Belgrade, is being courted by both Liverpool and Aston Villa. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has made a strong impression this season, playing in all eight of Red Star’s Champions League matches and scoring seven goals in 26 appearances across all competitions.

Primarily an attacking midfielder who favors his left foot, Maksimovic is also capable of playing as a right-winger when needed. He is known for his exceptional technical abilities, vision, and calmness on the ball, as well as his versatility in seamlessly shifting between attacking and defensive roles in midfield.

Recently, he made history as the second-youngest Serbian to debut for the national team, earning his first cap at just 17 years and four months old.

Interestingly, Maksimovic has earned the nickname Messi, though, as noted by Serbian Football Scout on X, it’s not due to his talent. Instead, it originated from his sister, who thought his hairstyle resembled Lionel Messi’s when he was younger, and the name stuck.

Maksimovic is currently valued at €12 million [£10m/$12.4m], but his agent believes that figure could rise to €20 million [£16.7m/$20.7m] by June.

Though the asking price for a 17-year-old like Maksimovic may seem high, it reflects his considerable potential and the growing reputation he’s building. His performances so far suggest he is on the verge of making a significant impact, and Liverpool may be the ideal place for him to continue his development.

Liverpool.com notes: The club’s established reputation for nurturing young talent and promoting them to the first team makes Anfield an attractive destination for Maksimovic. Given Liverpool’s ongoing ambitions for top trophies, his skill set could prove valuable as he takes the next step in his professional career.

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Stefan Bajcetic transfer news: Liverpool youngster may receive new opportunity

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic’s loan situation at RB Salzburg has sparked considerable debate, with contrasting reports regarding his future.

Merseyside sources maintain that the 20-year-old will not be recalled, but recent reports from Spain suggest otherwise. Bajcetic, who has struggled for playing time under new Salzburg head coach Thomas Letsch following the departure of former Reds coach Pep Lijnders, has been linked with a potential move to La Liga.

Spanish clubs, including Real Betis, Celta Vigo, and most recently Las Palmas, are reportedly interested, with Tenerife-based outlet Atlantico Hoy stating that the latter is nearing an agreement.

Despite earlier reports indicating that Liverpool might end Bajcetic’s Salzburg loan in favor of a move to Spain, The Athletic’s James Pearce has dismissed this idea, affirming that the Reds are content with Bajcetic’s development in Austria.

Nonetheless, there are lingering questions about Bajcetic’s future. It is believed that the 20-year-old’s playing style may align more closely with Jurgen Klopp’s tactics than with the system employed by Arne Slot at Anfield, fueling speculation that his long-term future could lie elsewhere.

Liverpool is expected to see considerable activity in the final week of the transfer window, particularly with outgoing transfers for their younger players.

While Bajcetic’s immediate future appears set with at least another half-season at Salzburg, other emerging talents may be on the move, either temporarily or permanently, to further their development.

Tyler Morton, for example, could be allowed to leave, with potential loan moves also on the cards for Kaide Gordon, James Norris, James Balagizi, Dominic Corness, and Harvey Davies.

Liverpool has already made several adjustments to their youth setup this month. Gordon, Calvin Ramsay, and Marcelo Pitaluga were recalled from their loans, with Ramsay quickly rejoining Kilmarnock on another loan and Pitaluga returning to Brazil to reconnect with former club Fluminense. Additionally, midfielder Tom Hill has completed a free transfer to League Two side Harrogate Town.