Liverpool are reportedly exploring a move for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and have met with the representatives of the Hungarian this week to discuss a potential summer transfer.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Liverpool met with RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai’s representatives this week to discuss a potential summer transfer. But it is “unclear” how much the Reds will be willing to fork out to secure his services.
The Hungarian captain, who is versatile enough to operate in a variety of positions across the midfield and forward areas, is understood to have joined the likes of Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone, and Ryan Gravenberch on Liverpool’s list of midfield targets this summer, with the Reds pushing to bring another midfielder to Anfield following the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.
The 22-year-old joined Leipzig from their sister club, Red Bull Salzburg, in 2021. And since then, his stock has only risen multifold. Renowned for a strong eye for goal, creativity, footballing intelligence, and incredible ball-striking ability, the Hungarian maestro scored ten times and provided 13 assists in 46 appearances for the Bundesliga club last season.
His stellar performances seem to have caught the attention of several Premier League clubs after yet another impressive season at Leipzig. Newcastle United are apparently pushing to land Szoboszlai after losing out on long-term target James Maddison. But Liverpool are now making enquiries and are looking into a deal.
Although Liverpool have touched base with the Hungarian camp over a move, it is understood that it would still be “very complicated” to get a deal done. A €70 million release clause exists in his contract, which is due to expire on Saturday, June 30th.
Jurgen Klopp’s midfield came in for a lot of criticism for lacking energy last season, as the Reds largely struggled in the first phase of the 2022/23 season. This would be a huge deal for Liverpool if they could beat Newcastle in the race for Szoboszlai, who is without a doubt a huge talent and could bring an attacking spark to Liverpool’s midfield.
A modern half-space operator, he would fit like a glove in Klopp’s 3-2-5 hybrid system, which he used towards the latter end of last season, with Trent Alexander-Arnold featuring as a midfielder in the double pivot.
The two clubs have a recent history of successful negotiations, with Liverpool having signed Naby Keita, Takumi Minamino, and Ibrahima Konate from the Red Bull outfit. Liverpool recently announced a loan move for Fabio Carvalho to the German outfit. But it is understood that Carvalho’s loan deal does not have any bearing on the pursuit of Szoboszlai.
It will be interesting to see how this story evolves in the next few days. But there’s a feeling Liverpool will need to move quickly if they want to get this one done amid stiff competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United, who cannot offer better wages than the Reds but can still attract the player with Champions League football on offer.
