The hidden reason why Liverpool signed Dominik Szoboszlai as Mohamed Salah problem fixed

Liverpool's summer rebuild has continued to gather pace with the surprise signing of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

Liverpool have been linked with numerous midfielders this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to transform his squad into one once again capable of competing for the Premier League title.

The Reds wrapped up the signing of Alexis Mac Allister in a £35m move from Brighton before the transfer window opened.

It was also expected that would sign at least one more midfielder this summer and so it has proved, although the name may have surprised a few.

While Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone and Ryan Gravenberch had been consistently linked with Liverpool, it turned out that Szoboszlai would instead be the next new arrival at Anfield after a smart piece of business from the Merseyside club.

They moved quickly to trigger a release clause of around £60m in Szoboszlai's contract with Leipzig, with the Hungarian agreeing terms on a five-year deal at Anfield on Sunday.

Szoboszlai made 31 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, scoring six goals and registering eight assists.

In total, he scored 20 goals and provided 21 assists in 91 appearances for Leipzig after joining from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg in 2021.

A versatile player, Szoboszlai can operate as a No 8, No 10 and on both flanks.

"To be honest, for me it doesn't matter - I want to be on the pitch," he said in his first interview with Liverpool.

"But of course everybody has their own position. Of course, attacking midfielder as a 10. I can play on both 10s, left, right, on the sides also. Just I want to play."

Szoboszlai to cover for Salah?

It is that willingness to accommodate the team's needs which may have convinced Liverpool to move for Szoboszlai.

And his versatility could prove to be vital midway through the season, when Liverpool are set to lose arguably their best player, Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian will once again depart for international duty after the New Year to compete at the Africa Cup of Nations, which takes place between January 13 and February 11.

It means Salah is likely to miss Liverpool's match against Bournemouth (January 13) as well as huge games against Chelsea (January 31) and Arsenal (February 3).

If Egypt make it to the latter stages of the tournament, he could also miss matches against Burnley (February 10) and Brentford (February 17).

Szoboszlai has played in Salah's favoured position on the right wing previously for Leipzig and could cover for the Egyptian while he is away on international duty.

While it is likely to be just one of many reasons why Liverpool were convinced to bring him to Anfield, it could be crucial to their title chances next season.