Liverpool have made their move for Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Reds are pushing to make the Hungary captain their second arrival of the summer following the exciting acquisition of World Cup winner, Alexis Mac Allister. Jurgen Klopp now looks to be making great strides towards fulfilling his ambitions for this summer.
Last season proved to be a difficult ride for Liverpool as a number of chastening defeats resulted in questions that the German has rarely faced during his successful spell in charge. However, the Reds regrouped and forged an impressive 11-match unbeaten run that earned qualification for the Europa League.
The 22-year-old Szoboszlai is somewhat of an unknown figure to many, however, he has made an impression in Europe and particular Germany with RB Leipzig. He followed the familiar path from RB Salzburg to Saxony, after winning two Austria Bundesliga titles and claiming the Player of the Season award.
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His main position is attacking midfield but the 22-year-old can play on either the right or left wing. Throughout his time at Leipzig, he has predominantly played as an attacking midfielder scoring five goals and assisting three times.
Last season, he was often utilised from the right where he made 24 appearances in all competitions from that position, scoring eight goals with five assists. His highlight reel is being shared far and wide across social media with a number of eye-catching showings of free-kicks, skills and goals.
For the last two seasons, Szoboszlai has worn the number 17 shirt at Leipzig after completing the move from Austria. However, he will have to wait for that number should he complete the move to Anfield.
Currently, Liverpool academy graduate Curtis Jones occupies the shirt number and has had the opportunity of holding it since the 2020/21 season after it was vacated following the departure of Ragnar Klavan. The number has an element of history behind it with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman wearing the shirt.
And Jones' performances in the business end of the season have thrust him into the conversation to have a starting role for Liverpool next season. The Academy graduate made 11 successive starts for the Reds, a personal record for the midfielder, as he provided a number of key contributions during their run to salvage European football for the upcoming season.
The positivity surrounding the Liverpool-born midfielder coincided with the change in approach from Klopp that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold flourish in a hybrid role. With Jones' statement at the back end of last season, it would be difficult for Szoboszlai to usurp him as the Liverpool number 17.
During his time in Austria, he had two spells with FC Liefering where he scored 16 goals in 42 appearances, adding 11 assists. He spent one season with the RB Salzburg reserve team wearing the 10 shirt - a number he has worn for Hungary since 2018.
Szoboszlai now captains his country, an honour he has held since 2022. Up until this summer, the number 10 shirt was vacant for Liverpool following the departure of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich last summer.
It remained free following his exit until the arrival of Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion which scuppers any intentions of taking the number.
His spell with Salzburg saw him cement the number 14 with the club as they enjoyed a successful time together until he made the switch to Germany. Another stumbling block for that number at Liverpool is that captain Jordan Henderson occupies the shirt, although reports suggest he may have a reduced role at Anfield, any chance of taking the shirt number should it become available will only be possible as and when the 33-year-old departs.
A number that is currently free is number 16, which has been vacant since Marko Grujic left Liverpool. It was previously held by Sebastian Coates and Conor Coady but it has failed to see any real gametime at Anfield.
There is a level of affinity with Szoboszlai and the shirt number after spending two seasons wearing it with RB Salzburg, their youth ranks and FC Liefering in his first spell.
Should Szoboszlai complete his move to Liverpool, he will be forced to wait for the number 17, 14 and 10 but he can go back to the first shirt number he ever had in football in 16.
