30 June 2023 , 19:11
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Liverpool have agreed a £60million deal with RB Leipzig to sign Hungary star Dominik Szoboszlai.
Negotiations picked up pace on Friday, a matter of hours before the player's £60m release clause with the Bundesliga side elapsed. As the German cup winners sealed a season-long loan deal for Reds youngster Fabio Carvalho, Liverpool began negotiations with RBL chiefs over putting a deal in place for Szoboszlai.
Leipzig had been in no rush to sell the 22-year-old, having already parted ways with Christopher Nkunku - who has joined Chelsea - and with Josko Gvardiol wanted by Manchester City for a big-money move this month. But Szoboszlai made clear he wanted the opportunity to move to Anfield and work with Jurgen Klopp.
Szoboszlai has previously spoken glowingly about the Kop boss, stating back in 2020: "I really like Klopp," he said. "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.”
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That saw the two sides, who have a strong relationship from past dealings, press ahead to put a deal in place, with Liverpool agreeing to pay the player's release clause, with the agreement enough to alleviate the pressure to do it before June turned into July.
Dominik Szoboszlai becomes Liverpool's second signing of the summer (Getty Images)Is Dominik Szoboszlai a good signing for Liverpool? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Reports in Germany have said that the Reds were initially keen to pay the fee for Szoboszlai in two separate payments - a deal that was quickly turned down out of hand by the German side. Liverpool then compromised to pay it all in one lump sum.
It also subsequently strengthens RBL's hand when it comes to negotiations for Gvardiol and puts pressure on City - who this week walked away from negotiations for Declan Rice - to meet their £90m asking price and make the Croatia international the world's most expensive defender.
Szoboszlai becomes Liverpool's second signing of the transfer window as Jurgen Klopp's transformation of his squad gathers pace. Alexis Mac Allister arrived earlier this month for around £45million - meaning that the Reds' summer spending has already exceeded the £100million mark.
It is not expected to end there either, with a whole host of players continuing to be linked with moves to Anfield. Khephren Thuram has emerged as a target for midfield and talks with his club Nice were suggested to have been launched.
Whether Liverpool continue to pursue a deal after the signing of Szoboszlai remains to be seen. A centre-back could also be on the club's agenda before the end of the window - Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio linked with a move over recent days.