28 June 2023 , 15:02
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Liverpool's hopes of finalising a deal for RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai have been boosted by the midfielder's previous praise of manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds endured an ultimately frustrating campaign last season, missing out on Champions League football and failing to land any silverware. Their ageing midfield was cited as one of the main flaws by fans and critics, with Klopp quickly addressing the issue this summer by capturing Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister.
But more reinforcements will be required amid reports that youngsters Fabio Carvalho and Rhys Williams are heading out on loan, taking the number of confirmed Anfield outgoings to six since the season finished. And Hungary captain Szoboszlai has been outlined as the next major target.
And Klopp can take encouragement from what Szoboszlai said back in 2020, when he was still playing his trade with Red Bull Salzburg. At the time, Liverpool held the Champions League and their German manager was leading a charge towards an eventual Premier League title.
"I really like Klopp," he said. "The way he can inspire his players is unbelievable. Even when they have nothing, they can stand up and his players can achieve anything. For me, he is the best manager in the world.”
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Szoboszlai, 22, made 46 appearances in all competitions for his current club last season, scoring 10 times. His form led to speculation that Newcastle United were planning a bid, but no move materialised.
Dominik Szoboszlai has praised Jurgen Klopp (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Liverpool challenge for the Premier League again this season? Comment below.
Meetings have now been held between the the clubs representatives, EM Sports Management, and Liverpool chiefs. But one potential stumbling block surrounds his release clause of £60 million, amid confusion over whether the caveat expires on June 30 or later in the summer.
And Leipzig, third in the Bundesliga table last season, are yet to make their valuation of the player without a release clause known. Should be leave, them according to the Liverpool Echo, the German outfit would also be in line to receive as much as 20% of any sell-on fee.
But the two clubs have a recent history of negotiations, with Liverpool having acquired Naby Keita, Takumi Minamino, and Ibrahima Konate from the club. Carvalho is also set to head in the opposite direction, although that deal is not part of any negotiations for Szoboszlai.