Report: Club thought ‘special’ £60m star was going to sign for Newcastle this summer

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Dominik Szoboszlai will be playing against Newcastle United next season, rather than for them.

The Hungarian is now a Liverpool player, with the Reds activating his £60million release clause last week.

They moved quickly to sign Szoboszlai, whose desire to work with Jurgen Klopp proved to be a driving force in his decision to move to Anfield.

That was a blow for Newcastle, who had been chasing the 22-year-old. However, the Magpies decided that he was not an essential signing and therefore opted against paying £60million for him – which they thought was too much.

Eddie Howe’s side were keen to negotiate a cheaper fee, but that was out of the question once Liverpool entered the conversation and expressed a willingness to pay the release in clause in full, which is exactly what RB Leipzig wanted.

Liverpool have got their man, but it was initially Newcastle who Leipzig expected to do business with.

Leipzig thought Szoboszlai was more likely to sign for Newcastle

According to the Athletic, Leipzig were first made aware of Liverpool’s interest a month ago. However, at the time they thought Szoboszlai was more likely to sign for Newcastle. Regardless, they were adamant that the only way he would leave was if his release clause was activated.

That implies that the Bundesliga club thought Newcastle would go as high as £60million, but the Magpies were actually trying to lower the price.

In the end, Liverpool moved in unchallenged, much to their surprise according to the Athletic.

Finances stopped Newcastle from doing a deal for the ‘special‘ attacking midfielder, with Eddie Howe looking to stretch his transfer budget as far as possible. He has various positions he wants to fill this summer, and that would not have been possible if the club spent £60million on Szoboszlai just after agreeing a £55million deal for Sandro Tonali.

It just wasn’t meant to be for Newcastle, who will get an immediate chance to see Szoboszlai up close when Liverpool travel to St James’ Park in August.