Aston Villa eye striker likened to Thomas Muller with £25m release clause

Aston Villa have expressed interest in signing Hoffenheim's promising forward Maximilian Beier, as manager Unai Emery aims to bolster his attacking options for the upcoming season. The 21-year-old German international, currently participating in UEFA Euro 2024, has a £25 million release clause, making him an attractive prospect for Premier League clubs.

Villa's interest in Beier arises amid uncertainty over the future of their current striker, Jhon Duran. Earlier this month, Chelsea were given the green light to negotiate with Duran, but no deal has been finalised yet. Should Duran make the move to Stamford Bridge, it would create a significant gap in Villa's squad, leaving Ollie Watkins as the sole established striker.

However, Maximilian Beier is not merely a contingency plan for Villa. The versatile forward, capable of playing as a number nine or in partnership with another striker, has drawn comparisons to Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller for his ability to interpret space and create opportunities. In the previous Bundesliga season, Beier showcased his talent by scoring 16 goals and providing three assists in 33 appearances.

Aston Villa are not alone in their admiration for Beier according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports. Chelsea have also made inquiries about the young forward, while Manchester United are reportedly monitoring his situation closely. Despite the competition, Villa may have an advantage by offering the allure of UEFA Champions League football, a significant draw for any aspiring player.

Currently focused on his national team duties at Euro 2024, Beier has remained tight-lipped about his future, stating that discussions regarding a potential transfer will take place after the tournament concludes.

His impressive form has not gone unnoticed, as he was the only player in the Bundesliga last season to score more than 10 goals, complete more than 10 take-ons, and draw more than 10 fouls.

Aston Villa's President of Football Operations, Monchi, has been actively engaged in the transfer market, already negotiating a deal with Juventus involving Douglas Luiz, Samuel Iling-Junior, and Enzo Barrenechea.

Now, the focus has shifted to securing the services of Beier, one of the quickest strikers in Germany, who has even been clocked running faster than Kyle Walker.

Beier's versatility and potential make him an enticing prospect for Villa. His ability to play on the flanks as well as centrally, akin to Thomas Muller, would provide Emery with a variety of tactical options, enhancing Villa's attacking prowess. Moreover, Beier's capability to play behind the number nine adds another dimension to his game, making him a valuable asset.

With Jhon Duran attracting interest during the summer transfer window, Aston Villa may look to secure a new centre-forward to provide both cover and competition for Ollie Watkins. Having qualified for the Champions League, Unai Emery's squad will be under pressure to bolster their ranks before the new season kicks off.

Beier has emerged as a solid option for the Midlands club, but securing his signature won't be easy due to the fierce competition and his attractive release clause. With Watkins already established at Villa, Beier will need to weigh the potential playing time he might receive.

Negotiating a deal while Beier is competing with Germany at Euro 2024 might prove challenging, especially with Julian Nagelsmann's side advancing into the next round. Despite the reasonable release clause in place, Hoffenheim will struggle to retain the player, but Villa will need to fend off strong competition.

Securing a player of Maximilian Beier's calibre could be a strategic move to strengthen their attacking lineup. With a reasonable release clause and the potential to develop alongside Ollie Watkins, Beier represents both a present asset and a future investment for the Midlands club. However, with strong competition from Chelsea and other Premier League clubs, Villa will need to act swiftly to secure his signature.