Christoph Baumgartner throws cold water on a potential summer switch to Manchester United
According to German publication Sport Bild (h/t Sport Witness), Christoph Baumgartner looks set to stay on at Hoffenheim this summer amidst interest from Manchester United.
The 21-year-old’s performances in the Euros have put him on the radar of both United and Liverpool. Baumgartner rose through the youth ranks of SV Horn and St. Polten in Austria before joining Hoffenheim in 2017. After impressing for the club’s reserve side, the midfielder was promoted to the first team in January 2019.
He has continued to develop at the Bundesliga side, making 41 goals for them last season. During that time, he scored nine goals and assisted six more. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Now that Austria are out of the Euros, interest regarding Baumgartner once again starts to revolve around his future. The player has now weighed in after being directly quizzed regarding a summer switch.
“I definitely extended my contract in March with the intention of playing here next season.”
As things stand, the Austrian ace is keen to stay at Hoffenheim next season. He believes the Germans can offer him the best opportunity to develop his skills. Having signed a contract extension last March, his future at the club now runs until 2025.
“I see the best opportunity here to develop myself further.”
Baumgartner has also admitted that he looks up to Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller as his inspiration. The German has enjoyed a strong career at the Allianz Arena and it remains to be seen if Baumgartner will go on to replicate it.
If he continues to develop, there is every chance that United will continue to keep tabs on his progress. But for now, his future appears to lie in the Bundesliga. At 21, his best years are ahead of him and his progress this upcoming season will be viewed with keen interest.
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Baumgartner will get more chances to shine at Hoffenheim in comparison to United. His decision to stay put and develop his game will benefit him in the long run. It ia always better to be prepared before making the high-profile switch to Old Trafford.
