Newcastle United are reportedly looking at the possibility of signing Dominik Szoboszlai this summer.
That is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who has told Caught Offside that Newcastle have been watching Szoboszlai, who currently plays for RB Leipzig.
The energy drink side signed him from Red Bull Salzburg back in January 2021, having fended off interest from Arsenal. However, the Gunners reportedly had doubts over his ball retention and defensive ability.
They have now been proven wrong, and the Hungarian midfielder is turning heads with his performances in the Bundesliga. He now looks set to be a man in demand this summer.
Jacobs has stated that Chelsea have been scouting the 22-year-old, while he also appears to be on Newcastle’s radar.
Ben Jacobs says Newcastle have looked at Dominik Szoboszlai
The reporter has spoke to Caught Offside about Szoboszlai’s future in Germany, adding that Atletico Madrid and Newcastle are keen, as well as Chelsea.
“Atletico Madrid have also looked at Szoboszlai (and held an interest dating back to his Salzburg days) as have Newcastle, who would still like to strengthen their midfield and are exploring lots of options.
“I am told Szoboszlai has spoken in some detail about life in England to his close friend Erling Haaland, who he was at Salzburg with. They FaceTime still.”
Leipzig might be reluctant to sell Szoboszlai
But while Szoboszlai has plenty of admirers, there is a chance he might not be allowed to leave this summer. That is because Leipzig are already facing up to the possibility of losing two of their best players.
Christopher Nkunku is going to sign for Chelsea, while Josko Gvardiol is being heavily linked with a move away. Manchester City are reportedly keen on the Croatian defender. Their futures could force Szoboszlai to stay put, according to Jacobs.
“Leipzig won’t want to lose all three, so with Nkunku already done it will likely be a case of only letting one of Gvardiol or Szoboszlai go in summer unless their hand is forced contractually,” he said.
Newcastle eyeing a ‘special’ talent
It is clear that Newcastle are after a creative midfielder this summer. Eddie Howe wants someone who can add more goals to his side, either by scoring them or assisting them.
James Maddison is a major target, while there was also a recent claim made about Newcastle admiring Florian Wirtz.
Now Szoboszlai has been mentioned, and he is a similar player that is seemingly on the Magpies’ radar. He has previously been called ‘special‘ by former manager Jesse Marsch, who praised the Hungary international’s technical ability, tactical awareness and work ethic on and off the ball.
He is enjoying a brilliant season so far, boasting five goals and 13 assists in all competitions. He can either play in the middle of midfield or off the left or right of attack, and that kind of versatility will appeal to Howe.
It will be interesting to see if this rumour develops beyond an admiring glance from Tyneside.
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