Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is reportedly interested in signing Hoffenheim centre-forward Maximilian Beier amid ongoing uncertainty around the future of Darwin Nunez.
Beier experienced his first full Bundesliga season this past year, after spending the previous campaign with Hannover 96 in the German second division.
The 21-year-old, who is widely viewed as having a similar playing style to former Reds star Roberto Firmino, had an impressive debut season for Die Kraichgauer, scoring 16 goals in 33 games.
It is understood that Beier has a £27.4m release clause in his current contract at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, which runs until the summer of 2027.
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Slot considering Beier as Darwin Nunez alternative?
According to Bild, the Reds' new head coach is interested in signing Beier this summer, as question marks remain over the future of Reds forward Nunez following a mixed season at Anfield.
The Uruguayan scored two more goals than Beier in 2023-24, though it took him 54 appearances to do so, and the report adds that his inconsistent finishing has sparked speculation that Slot might seek to replace him in the upcoming summer transfer window.
It is understood that Beier is also being pursued by Liverpool's Premier League rivals Manchester United, Brentford and Nottingham Forest.
The 6'1" striker has been compared to former Reds and Hoffenheim forward Firmino due to his ability to play in a false nine role, which the Brazilian did to excellent effect during his time at Anfield.
Liverpool scouts are believed to have been impressed by the 21-year-old this past season, noting his ability to drop deep into midfield and excel in progressive passing metrics.
However, unlike Firmino, Beier is also known for his exceptional speed, while he is also more versatile than the legendary Brazilian, capable of playing on either flank or through the centre.
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Beier hoping to shine for Germany at Euro 2024
Owing to his impressive performances this season, Beier earned a call-up to the Germany squad under coach Julian Nagelsmann and made his debut in a recent international friendly against Ukraine.
The striker has also made the cut for the upcoming European Championship on home soil, and while he is not expected to make the starting 11 on a regular basis, he will serve as a handy alternative to Kai Havertz in Die Mannschaft's attack.
Last season in the Bundesliga, the German scored a goal almost every two games, a feat surpassed only by Mohamed Salah in Liverpool's top-flight campaign, with the Egyptian finding the net 18 times.
Salah is another Reds player whose future in Merseyside is still up in the air, with several reports suggesting that Saudi clubs may be preparing another blockbuster offer to lure him to the Middle East this summer.
Devesh Jaganath
