Liverpool and Newcastle must make Dominik Szoboszlai decision with release clause due to expire

Liverpool face a race against time to sign Dominik Szoboszlai on a reduced fee, according to reports.

The Athletic's David Ornstein claimed Liverpool met with Szoboszlai's representatives this week to discuss a potential summer transfer.

The Reds are keen to bring in midfield recruits this summer upon the expiry of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita's contracts.

And according to Ornstein, Liverpool have begun exploring the possibility of signing Szoboszlai this summer, though there is “an acceptance within the club” that it will be “very difficult to get a deal done”.

It is claimed that the Hungary international has a €70million (£60million) release clause in his RB Leipzig contract.

However, a deal could be further complicated once Szoboszlai’s release clause expires, with reports in Germany claiming that will be after June 30.

Liverpool’s race to sign Szoboszlai

Shortly after Ornstein's initial report, Sky Germany journalist Philipp Hinze claimed on Twitter that Szoboszlai’s release clause would no longer be valid after June 30.

"Can confirm the concrete @LFC interest in Dominik Szoboszlai. @TheAthleticFC first," tweeted Hinze.

"@NUFC are also still in. Open future for the Hungarian, whose release clause is €70m. But: The exit option only runs until 30 June!

"After that, the transfer fee is freely negotiable."

Newcastle have also been linked with the 22-year-old, who has attracted interest from the Premier League after impressing for Leipzig over the past two years.

The attacking midfielder, who can also operate on either flank, netted 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 46 appearances for the Bundesliga club last term.

While a transfer will be "difficult" for Liverpool to complete, Szoboszlai has expressed admiration in the past for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Speaking to Hungarian YouTube channel Csisztu in 2020, the Hungary international said (via Liverpool.com): "I really like Klopp. The kind of human being he is.

"The way he can inspire his players is unbelievable. Even when they have nothing, they can stand up and his players can achieve anything. For me, he is the best manager [in the world]."

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Transfers, Jurgen Klopp, RB Leipzig, Newcastle United

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.