Liverpool secure £60m signing of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig

Szoboszlai, who had an impressive season in the Bundesliga, contributing six goals and eight assists, has signed a five-year contract with the Reds

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Soccer Football - DFB Cup - Final - RB Leipzig v Eintracht Frankfurt - Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany - June 3, 2023, RB Leipzigs Dominik Szoboszlai kisses his medal as he celebrates after winning the DFB Cup.—Reuters
Soccer Football - DFB Cup - Final - RB Leipzig v Eintracht Frankfurt - Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany - June 3, 2023, RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai kisses his medal as he celebrates after winning the DFB Cup.—Reuters

Liverpool Football Club has officially announced the completion of the transfer of midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old Hungarian international arrives at Anfield in a £60m deal, pending the acquisition of a work permit.

Szoboszlai, who had an impressive season in the Bundesliga, contributing six goals and eight assists, has signed a five-year contract with the Reds.

Szoboszlai becomes Liverpool's second signing of the summer, reinforcing their midfield options. The acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for £35m preceded the arrival of the talented Hungarian playmaker. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp views Szoboszlai as a versatile and tactically flexible player, much like the former Red Bull Salzburg star.

The club engaged in discussions with the player's representatives earlier in the week, leading to swift progress in the transfer. Liverpool managed to trigger the release clause in Szoboszlai's contract, ensuring his capture before the clause's expiry on Friday.

The decision to pursue Szoboszlai stemmed from Liverpool's interest in Chelsea's Mason Mount, who was entering the final year of his contract. However, negotiations with Chelsea proved more complex and costly, making Szoboszlai a more viable alternative for the Reds. Expressing his excitement about joining Liverpool, Szoboszlai conveyed his admiration for the club's history, talented players, and esteemed coach. 

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take the next step in his career at such a prestigious club, highlighting the passionate fanbase and the exceptional atmosphere of the stadium.

Prior to his move to Liverpool, Szoboszlai achieved success with RB Leipzig, contributing to their consecutive German Cup victories. In the final of the most recent season against Eintracht Frankfurt, he scored the team's second goal, securing a 2-0 victory. Known for his expertise in set-pieces, goal-scoring ability, and versatility across the midfield, Szoboszlai will don the iconic No. 8 shirt previously worn by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and recently vacated by Naby Keïta.

Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool's manager, expressed his familiarity with Szoboszlai since the midfielder's time at Red Bull Salzburg as a teenager. Klopp acknowledged Szoboszlai's significant progress in the Bundesliga, coupled with his leadership qualities as the captain of the Hungarian national team at a young age. While praising Szoboszlai's potential as a footballer, Klopp emphasized the importance of patience and allowing the player's talent to flourish within the team, highlighting his youth and room for development.

The addition of Dominik Szoboszlai bolsters Liverpool's midfield options and signifies the club's ambition to remain competitive in domestic and international competitions. The Reds' faithful eagerly await the young midfielder's debut, anticipating the impact he will make as part of Jürgen Klopp's formidable squad.