Liverpool are exploring a move for RB Leipzig star and Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Reds are looking to bolster their midfield options as they look to eradicate the failings that their engine room encountered during last season's disappointing campaign. Jurgen Klopp moved quickly to welcome Brighton & Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister who arrived prior to jetting off on international duty with Argentina.
Prior to the under-21 European Championships, it had emerged that Liverpool were targeting a number of prospects who were due to take centre stage at the tournament. France duo Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone, Ryan Gravenberch of Holland and Spain U21 international Gabri Veiga are prospects that the Reds have shortlisted as part of their hunt for reinforcements.
Romeo Lavia is also appreciated but injury kept him out of contention to be selected for Belgium's U21 squad.
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It has been suggested that Szoboszlai has a £60m release clause in his contract with RB Leipzig, but there are question marks over when that fixed fee expires. So who is the new midfield name in the frame and just as importantly, how do you pronounce it?
Who is Liverpool target Dominik Szoboszlai?
Dominik Szoboszlai is a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who captains the Hungarian national team for whom he has made 32 appearances, scoring seven goals.
The right-footer followed his father Zsolt into football, as he played for Fonix and MTK youth teams in his native country before making the switch to Austria.
He followed the well-taken path of RB Salzburg to RB Leipzig in January 2021 after a stint with AKA Salzburg U18s and FC Liefering. His move to Saxony came after winning four Austrian Bundesliga titles and three Austrian Cups. He was named the Player of the Year for the 2019/20 season.
With Die Roten Bullen, he has netted 20 goals in 91 appearances with his best return coming last season. Szoboszlai was on the scoresheet, along with new Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku, as Leipzig scooped successive DFB Pokal crowns with a win over Eintracht Frankfurt in May.
How do you pronounce Dominik Szoboszlai?
If the Liverpool interest is concrete, the Hungarian is a player who won't be going away from the conversation in a hurry. The reports have drawn excitement from fans as they hope the Reds land the 22-year-old.
During his time with Salzburg, FIFA released a 'how to pronounce guide' which featured Dominik Szoboszlai.
They say the correct way of saying his name is: Dominik Szoboszlai – Sob-oss-lie
In 2020, Chris Wheatley interviewed Hungarian sports reporter Haraszti Adam who offered a lesson in how to pronounce the midfielder's name.
You can watch the video below:
What position does Dominik Szoboszlai play?
Dominik Szoboszlai's 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 predominantly utilised from the right where he made 24 appearances in all competitions from that position, scoring eight goals with five assists.
"Dominik can play in a variety of positions," former RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann explained after his move in 2021.
"He can play in attacking midfield, as a left-sided attacker or even out wide on the left wing. He can also do the same on the right. In Salzburg he operated as a number 10 a lot and as a left-sided number eight."
Does Dominik Szoboszlai have a release clause?
According to reports, there is a €70m (£60m) release clause currently stipulated in Dominik Szoboszlai's contract with RB Leipzig. Salzburg would reportedly be in line to receive 20 per cent of any sell-on fee should he leave the club.
When does Dominik Szoboszlai's release clause expire?
There are conflicting reports surrounding the exact terms of his current release clause of £60m. Both Sky Germany and Fabrizio Romano have reported that this obligation in his contract is time sensitive.
Sky Germany have claimed that it is valid until July 15th. However, if true could be more concerning for Liverpool, the Italian journalist has claimed the clause expires on June 30.
On June 19, Romano tweeted: "Understand release clause for Dominik Szoboszlai is valid until June 30 — and not until July 15. Release clause available for €70m only in case club submits official bid within June 30.
"If bid is submitted later, the clause will only be valid for winter window."
The same day, Sky Germany's Philipp Hinze who wrote: "[James] Maddison & [Dominik] Szoboszlai remain on @NUFC [Newcastle United] shortlist.
"Internally, it is known that Maddison is the cheaper option, Szoboszlai the more promising one. Nothing concrete yet. Szoboszlai's clause (€70m) must be drawn by 15 July. Both players remain in the race. FFP is an issue."
However, the German reporter has since reported following interest from Liverpool that the option runs until June 30.
