Liverpool target 'extremely difficult' transfer for €70m midfielder

Suraj Radia

• 28 Jun 2023 13:58 BST
• 2 min read

Liverpool are exploring a move for Dominik Szoboszlai as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season and revitalise their midfield.

The RB Leipzig star has a release clause of €70 million in his contract, however it is only valid until July 1st, at which point it will reportedly become active again in January.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool met with Szoboszlai’s representatives this week over a transfer but there is an acceptance within the club that a deal would be ‘very difficult’ to get done.

PROFILE: Everything you need to know about Dominik Szoboszlai

Newcastle have also been strongly linked to Szoboszlai but the Magpies have so far focused their attention on sealing the €70m signing of Sandro Tonali from Milan.

Szoboszlai has established himself as a crucial player for Leipzig, grabbing six goals and eight assists in 31 Bundesliga games last season, with his versatility and technique seeing the 22-year-old play everywhere from central midfield to out wide and behind the striker.

The Hungarian still has three years remaining on his contract with Leipzig and the German side will likely demand a higher fee than his release clause after it expires, with there being no pressure to sell due to the €60m departure of Christopher Nkunku and a potential €100m sale of Josko Gvardiol this summer.

Will Liverpool sign Szoboszlai?

Liverpool are looking to strengthen in midfield, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all set to leave on free transfers when their contracts expire at the end of the month.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have already signed Alexis MacAllister from Brighton but the Reds have been assessing their targets since his arrival, with Khephren Thuram, Ryan Gravenberch and Romeo Lavia thought to be on their shortlist.

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Szoboszlai would be a more attacking alternative but a transfer is unlikely, with Liverpool also keen to spread their resources and target at least one defender this summer.

However, the Reds are in talks to loan midfielder Fabio Carvalho to Leipzig and there is a belief the German sides could see the youngster as a successor to Szoboszlai, increasing the possibility of a deal.