Christoph Baumgartner responds to transfer links amid Liverpool interest

Transfer News: Christoph Baumgartner responds to links amid Liverpool interest

Speaking in a press conference before Austria take on North Macedonia in the UEFA Euros 2020 (h/t Metro), Christoph Baumgartner revealed that it was flattering to see his name linked with a club like Liverpool.

The 21-year-old is linked with a move to Anfield recently as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutchman has signed for PSG on a free transfer after not renewing his deal at Liverpool.

And that is why the Reds are on the lookout for a replacement. Baumgartner is valued at somewhere around £20m by his club, TSG Hoffenheim, and impressed for them this season.

Christoph Baumgartner Liverpool transfer Austria Euros midfielder Wijnaldum replacement. — Christoph Baumgartner of Hoffenheim is touted as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum at Liverpool (imago Images)

The Austrian international can play in the number 10 role as well as in midfield. He would be a strong addition to the Liverpool squad as they prepare for a long season ahead.

Baumgartner to Anfield?

However, as much as he is flattered by the links, Baumgartner says that his concentration remains on Austria’s UEFA Euros campaign- they currently sit in 3rd in Group C with one game left.

“In my career, I have already learned that the press will always link you to other clubs. I don’t want to deny that I like hearing some of that but at the moment that’s not a topic at all for me and I am fully focused on the tournament.”

Wijnaldum is in the final year of his contract — Wijnaldum is on his way to PSG.

The Austrian, who is contracted at his club until 2025 after penning a new deal not long back, then added that footballers have to learn to live with these rumours.

“It’s part of the job to deal with those kind of rumours, I already have experience with that. It’s better to have those rumours than rumours in other areas.”