Newcastle United are not signing Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig this summer. Liverpool are.
It looked like the 22-year-old was the perfect alternative to James Maddison, but now the Magpies are going to have to look for another alternative.
That is because Liverpool have swooped in on Szoboszlai, and it looks all but certain that he will be playing for Jurgen Klopp at Anfield next season rather than Eddie Howe at St James’ Park.
News broke on Friday that Liverpool are pushing ahead with a deal, as Newcastle withdrew their interest in the Hungarian. That is a major blow for the Magpies, who were hoping to negotiate a deal with Leipzig.
Now a new report from the Liverpool Echo has explained why Szoboszlai looks set to move to the North West rather than the North East.
Why Szoboszlai is signing for Liverpool and not Newcastle
According to the Liverpool Echo, Szoboszlai’s desire to work with Klopp is a major factor in why he has decided that he wants to sign for Liverpool. They state that this is why Newcastle have had no choice but to stand down and end their interest.
The report adds that the Reds already have a good relationship with Leipzig due to previous transfers, which has helped. Talks over Szoboszlai took place when they were discussing Fabio Carvalho, who has joined the German side on loan for the upcoming season.
It looks like the Klopp factor has been enough for Newcastle to miss out. That was a fear once Liverpool entered the conversation, but there was a slither of hope that the lure of the Champions League could give us the edge.
That has not proven to be the case, and Newcastle are out of the race. There is no point pursuing a player who would rather be somewhere else, and Howe only wants people who are committed to Newcastle United.
It is a shame, and Liverpool are getting a supremely talented footballer, but fans must trust the recruitment team and have faith that they will find an even better alternative.
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