Liverpool face Chelsea competition for ‘Serbian Messi’

Chelsea have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Andrija Maksimovic, according to a report.

The Red Star Belgrade youngster has burst onto the scene this season and enchanted Europe’s elite. Maksimovic’s promising performances have earned him the moniker ‘Serbian Lionel Messi’ back in his home country and he has already made his senior debut for Serbia.

The 17-year-old attacker started the season with Crvena Zvezda’s second-tier feeder side Graficar, but it quickly became apparent that he was ready for first-team football.

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Maksimovic hasn’t looked back since getting promoted and is now a regular starter for Red Star. On Sunday, he netted his first top-flight goal in a comfortable 3-0 win over Vojvodina and his stocks continue to rise.

Liverpool are one of the most persistently linked sides, but now Chelsea are ready to rival the Reds for his signature.

Chelsea join Maksimovic race

At least that is according to TEAMtalk, which claims that the Blues have begun scouting Maksimovic as they continue their quest of snapping up the world’s brightest young talents.

Anfield Watch revealed in October that Liverpool are keen to sign the 17-year-old in January and loan him back to Red Star for the remainder of the season and the above-mentioned outlet has confirmed this reporting.

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Maksimovic turns 18 next June, but depending on his development, it is possible that the Reds would loan him out again for the 2025/26 campaign to ensure he gets regular first-team minutes.

When the Serbia international first appeared on the radar of European heavyweights, his price tag stood at around €15 million. However, if his current form continues, he may become more expensive between now and January or the summer.