Transfer Centre

Chelsea transfer news: 'Contact made' over move for 21-year-old attacker

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 25 June 2024

Chelsea 'make contact' over move for 21-year-old attacker

Chelsea reportedly initiate contact over a possible deal for a 21-year-old attacker, the latest in a long line of forwards linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have reportedly made contact over a potential deal for a 21-year-old forward.

The Blues are known to be exploring all potential avenues as they look to strengthen their attacking line for 2024-25.

As it stands, the most likely addition appears to be that of Barcelona's Marc Guiu, who is said to be contemplating a move to Stamford Bridge.

Should that come to fruition, Chelsea would be left with a decision to make over whether to immediately include the 18-year-old in their senior ranks.

Nevertheless, there are known to be other forwards on their radar, the latest of whom has been plying his trade in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt in action with Hoffenheim's Maximilian Beier on November 1, 2023 © Reuters

Chelsea showing Beier interest

According to Bild's head of football Christian Falk, Chelsea have enquired about the possibility of signing Hoffenheim's Maximilian Beier.

The 21-year-old has just enjoyed an impressive campaign in Germany's top flight, contributing 16 goals and one assist from his 33 appearances.

As a result, the versatile attacker was handed a call up to Germany's squad for Euro 2024, where he has made one substitute outing thus far.

Beier was only playing second-tier football on loan at Hannover 96 as recently as last season, yet he has catapulted himself into the consciousness of bigger clubs with his exploits for a club that he has been with since 2018.

Germany's Maximilian Beier reacts on June 5, 2024 © Reuters

What is Beier's release clause?

Despite an increasing amount of admirers potentially making moves for Beier, they will soon be made aware that Hoffenheim intend to demand his release clause.

That is said to stand at €32.5m (£27.47m), and Falk adds that a transfer to Chelsea is currently unlikely, presumably through Chelsea's reluctance to meet that figure.

There are still three years left on his contract, leaving Europa-League-qualified Hoffenheim in no need to cash in for anything less than the buy option.

As it stands, it is unclear where Beier sees his future, although it is plausible to expect bigger German clubs to express an interest in due course.