RB Leipzig brings Serbia's football jewel Maksimovic for 14 million!

RB Leipzig brings Serbia's football jewel Maksimovic for 14 million!

RB Leipzig today announced the signing of the talented Serbian midfielder Andrija Maksimovic (18 years old) until 2030. Maksimovic's move to Leipzig comes to his previous club, Red Star Belgrade, for a transfer fee of 14 million euros. This transfer fee marks him as Serbian football's record export, reinforcing the significance of his move. Maximovic, born on June 5, 2007 in Novi Pazar, Serbia, is described as both a technically skilled player and a great hope for the future. Sports director Marcel Schäfer emphasizes that he can play both in central midfield and on the wings. His abilities are remarkable: he has an excellent overview of the game, outstanding ball handling and is strong in set pieces.

In an impressive first season with the professionals, Maksimovic has caught the attention of Leipzig. He particularly confidently expressed his desire to surpass Lamine Yamal, a Ballon d'Or candidate, in the game on November 6, 2024. In this game, Leipzig managed to defeat Red Star Belgrade 5-2, which only increased the curiosity about the player.

Early career and breakthrough

Maksimovic's career began in the youth sector, where he took his first steps at FK Pazar Juniors and later at OFK Vlada Dimitrijević. The move to Red Star Belgrade's youth academy was crucial for his development. In the summer of 2023 he was dual registered and loaned to Grafičar Beograd. He made his professional debut on August 11, 2023 in the Serbian First League against FK Jedinstvo Ub, where he scored his first goal.

In September 2023, Maksimovic extended his contract with Red Star and was included in the B-list for the UEFA Champions League. He cemented his place in the team with his first-team debut in the Serbian Cup match on December 6, 2023. His early talent could not be overlooked; On October 12, 2024, he became the youngest player in the history of the Serbian national team when he played in a UEFA Nations League A group game against Switzerland.

A promising young star

During his career, Maksimovic has also shone in the most important games for Red Star. For example, he made his debut in the “Eternal Derby” against Partizan Belgrade on September 23, 2024, where he assisted on Silas Katompa Mvumpa's goal. Furthermore, he gave his first goal in this derby on April 12, 2025, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of this rivalry. He last played in two World Cup qualifiers in June 2025.

Maksimovic has distinguished himself not only through his sporting achievements, but also through his character and ambition. He was nicknamed “Mesi” as a child because his playing style was similar to that of Lionel Messi. The son of former footballer Mirko Maksimović is now expected in Leipzig with great expectations and could soon take on an important role in German football.