Liverpool are facing fierce competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign highly-rated Serbian winger Luka Jovic, widely known as the “Serbian Messi.” The 21-year-old star, who has taken the football world by storm with his dazzling performances for Red Star Belgrade, is reportedly attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs after an outstanding season in the Serbian SuperLiga and European competitions.
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.
Jovic, who has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi for his dribbling, vision, and playmaking abilities, has been on the radar of several high-profile clubs this year, with both Liverpool and Chelsea believed to have scouts closely monitoring his progress. Sources indicate that both Premier League giants are prepared to make offers for the talented forward in the upcoming January transfer window.
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.
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.
However, Chelsea have also entered the fray, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly eyeing Jovic as a potential long-term solution to strengthen the Blues’ attack. Chelsea have been focused on a youth-driven rebuild, and Jovic’s combination of skill and youthful promise fits perfectly into their vision. The Blues’ financial clout and recent history of big-money signings could give them an edge in the battle for his signature.
Red Star Belgrade, who have been keen to hold onto their star asset, are reportedly demanding a transfer fee upwards of €40 million for Jovic, who has also attracted attention from clubs across Europe. While both Liverpool and Chelsea are preparing their bids, it remains to be seen whether the young Serbian will make the move to the Premier League this winter or remain in Belgrade for the remainder of the season.
Jovic’s meteoric rise has made him one of the most sought-after prospects in Europe, and whichever club secures his signature will be adding one of the brightest talents in world football to their ranks. As the battle between Liverpool and Chelsea intensifies, all eyes will be on the Serbian star and his next career move.
