30 June 2023 , 10:30
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Liverpool are leading the race to sign Dominik Szoboszlai with the Reds pushing for a deal to be completed imminently.
Negotiations have picked up pace, with a transfer in the works despite 'difficulties' to get a deal over the line before Friday night - when the Hungary international's £60million release clause becomes obsolete.
Having joined from sister-team Red Bull Salzburg in 2021, he has since become an important player, making 31 Bundesliga appearances in the 2022-23 season, scoring six goals and earning eight assists. He also played a key role in winning the DFB Pokal.
The Bundesliga club are set to complete a loan move to sign Liverpool's attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho, who underwent a medical on Friday. The Szoboszlai switch is also believed to be at an advanced stage, with the midfielder heading in the opposite direction albeit in a separate deal.
Liverpool's chase is complicated because Leipzig are in no rush to sell the 22-year-old. Josko Gvardiol is expected to head for Manchester City in a big-money move next month - potentially a world record fee for a defender - allowing RBL to play hardball.
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Szoboszlai will add more variety to the Liverpool midfield should he join fellow new boy Alexis Mac Allister in moving to Anfield. Following the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Liverpool have been keen to improve their midfield and the Hungarian's arrival would signal their intent to get back in the title hunt in 2023-24.
With a £60million deal in the works, it would represent a significant outlay for the club. The signing of Alexis Mac Allister was widely thought to be a bargain, with his £35million transfer completed earlier this month.
Dominik Szoboszlai won silverware in the DFB Pokal with RB Leipzig last season ((Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images))Arsenal are reported to have previously taken an interest in the playmaker but the arrival of Kai Havertz has negated their interest, while Newcastle were also keen, but are understood to have turned their attention elsewhere.
Szoboszlai has previously spoken glowingly about Kop boss Jurgen Klopp, stating back in 2020: "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.”