Arne Slot wants to sign 'next Roberto Firmino' in Liverpool transfer swoop

Liverpool are said to be interested in signing Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier this summer - a player considered extremely similar to former Reds star Roberto Firmino.

Firmino himself joined Liverpool from Hoffenheim nine years ago, with Beier now being linked after an impressive season in the Bundesliga - scoring 16 goals in 33 games at the age of just 21. Sport Bild have reported that Liverpool are one of several Premier League clubs to be interested - with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest said to be keen in acquiring him.

A 6'1" striker capable of playing the 'false 9' role that Firmino perfected during his time at Anfield, Beier has said to impress scouts this past season, often dropping deep into midfield while ranking highly across progressive passing metrics.

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But unlike Firmino, Beier possesses rapid pace - being one of the quicker attackers in European football, and perhaps being more versatile than the legendary Brazilian while being capable of playing on either flanks or through the middle.

While Firmino moved to Liverpool after five years with the German club, Beier has just finished his fifth year with the team that gave him his professional debut.

Legendary German striker Miroslav Klose had coached against Hoffenheim two years ago, and is a big fan of his talents. He said: "I played against him in my first years as FC Bayern's U17 coach and his qualities were immediately apparent. He runs an incredible amount, works for the team and rewards himself with goals. I'm sure Julian Nagelsmann (Germany's head coach) has him on his radar."

Beier has made the German national team ahead of EURO 2024, handed the number #14 jersey while expected to compete with Thomas Muller and Nicklas Fullkrug.

Beier is believed to have a release clause of just $32 million, which Liverpool could activate this summer as a potential bargain - the type of deals that FSG have looked to exploit in recent years.

Liverpool have signed both Alexis Mac Alliser and Dominik Szoboszlai by activating their release clauses last season, with Beier potentially slotting right into Liverpool's frontline as another versatile attacker to contend with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo.

Liverpool.com says: "Maximilian Beier feels like exactly the type of player who Liverpool will target this summer. Although fans might want a bigger name, FSG consistently have looked to sign younger players who have release clauses which they feel are below the player's value - the type of transfer that they look to get done quickly.

But it remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool will be in the market for an attacker, while already having five first-team players at the positions, as well as the emerging Jayden Danns. Should Liverpool move on from one of their five attackers, don't be surprised if Beier is a name who is high on their radar.