Dominik Szoboszlai transfer could help Liverpool avoid disastrous departure

The transfer of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig to Liverpool could help the Reds to avoid a key departure.

The Hungary international completed his move to Anfield on Sunday, penning a long-term contract.

Szoboszlai will take the number eight shirt most recently worn by Naby Keita, and previously worn by club legend Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool have paid the 22-year-old's £60 million release clause, as per Fabrizio Romano, with the clause due to expire on June 30.

Speaking to the club's official website, the attacking midfielder said: "It's really, really good. I enjoyed the last days and I'm looking forward to knowing everybody better.

• READ MORE: How will Dominik Szoboszlai fit at Liverpool? Profile, style of play and position

"The last three or four days went really long; it was not that easy. But at the end I'm here, I'm happy and I can't wait to get started."

And his arrival at Liverpool could help to ensure the retention of one of the club's top stars.

Szoboszlai could help Liverpool avoid key departure

According to The Telegraph's Chris Balcombe, Szoboszlai has signed a long-term contract at Liverpool worth under £125,000 per week.

The figure puts him in the middle range of Liverpool salaries. According to Capology, the Reds' highest earner is Mohamed Salah, while Virgil van Dijk, Thiago, Fabinho and Alisson are among the other players that are said to earn more than the £125,000 figure.

Another player that reportedly earns more than that amount is defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The right-back, who adapted into a hybrid defensive midfield role under Jurgen Klopp towards the end of last season, has a contract at Anfield until the summer of 2025, and the Reds are expected to open talks soon over fresh terms.

The loss of the England international would be a significant blow, but the Szoboszlai signing - plus the £500,000 in wages that the club saved by releasing 11 players, as per the Daily Star via Spotrac - could help them to offer a significantly higher salary to Alexander-Arnold to convince him to stay put.