Liverpool linked with 13-assist defender David Raum but face £25m battle with West Ham and other Prem rivals

David Raum is a left-back who has enjoyed a productive first season with Hoffenheim after joining from Greuther Furth. Indeed, he has contributed 13 assists and three goals from 33 appearances for his current club so far.

The 24-year-old earned a senior debut for the Germany national team back in September too. Evidently, his stock has been rising.

Although he is under contract until 2026 with Hoffenheim, Raum is already attracting transfer links. According to Bild, he has up to six clubs competing for his signature in the forthcoming summer transfer window – and five of those come from England.

Only two are identified, with Liverpool the main link thanks to compatriot Jurgen Klopp. It would represent quite the rise for the full-back.

Only last season, he was helping Greuther Furth win promotion to the Bundesliga. Now, interest from a club of Liverpool’s stature shows how far he has come.

They may have to pay his €30million release clause – which equates to around £25.3m – in order to prise him away from Hoffenheim. In turn, it would give him his first taste of Premier League football.

But they are not the only ones willing to offer him such a platform. The report also namechecks West Ham United as a potential suitor.

That move could also give him European football, with West Ham currently in seventh place in the Premier League. If they finish there, they would be in next season’s Europa Conference League.

Hoffenheim have not been involved in continental competition this season, but Raum – who can also play as a left midfielder – could be ready for the next step.

If he is to leave the Bundesliga behind, Raum may be best off picking West Ham – or one of his anonymous suitors, depending on who they are – over Liverpool.

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