Newcastle United are reportedly set to make their first move to sign Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, but his asking price could be an issue.
The 22-year-old’s season came to an end on Saturday, with Leipzig beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 to win the DFB-Pokal. Szoboszlai was on the scoresheet, netting his 10th goal of the season to help win his second ever trophy as a Leipzig player.
However, there is a chance that he has now played his final ever game for the club. The Hungarian has refused to commit his future to the Bundesliga side, and Newcastle are braced to test Leipzig’s resolve.
Newcastle think Dominik Szoboszlai is valued too highly
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are going to make their first move for Szoboszlai in the next few days.
However, the report adds that the Magpies do not want to pay the attacking midfielder’s release clause. His current contract has a clause that means he can leave Leipzig for £60million. But Newcastle feel like that figure is overinflated.
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Therefore, Dan Ashworth will reportedly look to negotiate a lower price for a ‘special‘ player who could prove to be an exciting alternative to James Maddison.
However, the Leicester City star could actually prove to be cheaper, with a new report stating that the England international is currently valued at £40million.
It might all come down to competition. If more clubs are keen on Maddison then they will likely get more than £40million for him. In contrast, if no one else is keen on Szoboszlai then Newcastle might be able to wangle the price down, as it has been claimed that Leipzig are resigned to him leaving this summer.
Newcastle are in a commanding position, meaning they do not need to rush into anything. The Magpies have months to get the summer recruits they want, while they have a variety of different options for each position.
If Leipzig refuse to budge over their asking price then Newcastle have the option of going elsewhere. But if we are the only serious buyer then the German side might simply be forced to lower their demands.