Dominik Szoboszlai: Hungry for Success at Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai has shown that he is ready to fight for success at Liverpool after his £60 million move from RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old midfielder became Jurgen Klopp’s second signing of the summer, with the Reds triggering a release clause in the Hungarian’s contract shortly before the June 30 deadline.
Newcastle were also said to have expressed an interest in Szoboszlai, but the player’s preference was to join Liverpool despite the Magpies being able to offer Champions League football next season. Szoboszlai revealed that he is happy to “sacrifice” a year at the top table in favour of trying to win the Europa League, showing that he has the exact mentality needed to help the Reds through this next phase of Klopp’s reign.
The Signing of Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai is the second signing of the summer for Liverpool, following the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister shortly after the conclusion of 2022/23. The Hungarian midfielder’s move to Anfield was confirmed shortly before the June 30 deadline that had been set.
The 22-year-old was said to have had other offers on the table, including one from Newcastle United who were able to offer Champions League football next season. However, Szoboszlai chose to join Liverpool instead, showing his commitment to helping the Reds succeed.
Szoboszlai’s Commitment to Liverpool
Szoboszlai has demonstrated his commitment to Liverpool by insisting that the Reds’ failure to qualify for the Champions League was not a deal-breaker in making the switch. The midfielder revealed that he is happy to “sacrifice” a year at the top table in favour of trying to win the Europa League.
“As soon as I heard that it was a serious matter, I didn’t think about the Champions League. I will gladly sacrifice a year,” Szoboszlai explained during a press conference he held with his father in Hungary, as quoted by Nemzeti Sport. “Instead, I will try to win the Europa League with Liverpool because that is the goal.”
This philosophy will please manager Jurgen Klopp, who remarked early in his Anfield career that he is not interested in players who are simply only prepared to help when the Reds are competing in the Champions League. Klopp said in 2016: “If somebody says: ‘no, you don’t play Champions League next year’ then goodbye and thank you, have fun next year wherever you will be. That is what I would say. It is pushing the train, not jumping on the running train. That is what we need here.”
Liverpool’s European Pedigree
Next season will be the first time Liverpool haven’t taken part in the Champions League in seven seasons, with Klopp’s side demonstrating their European pedigree during that time by reaching three finals within the space of five years. It is an understandable stance for the manager to adopt given the Reds’ recent performances in the competition and the fact it will soon become even easier to qualify for upon its expansion in 2024/25.
Szoboszlai Ready for the Challenge
Szoboszlai is ready for the challenge and he looks to have the exact mentality we need in order to carry us through to this next phase of Klopp’s Liverpool. The Hungarian midfielder has shown that he has the stomach for the fight and is committed to helping Liverpool succeed despite not being able to offer Champions League football next season.
Conclusion
Dominik Szoboszlai has demonstrated that he has what it takes to succeed at Liverpool with his commitment to helping the Reds succeed despite not being able to offer Champions League football next season. The 22-year-old midfielder has shown that he has the stomach for the fight and is ready for the challenge ahead. With Szoboszlai on board, Klopp’s side looks set to continue their success in Europe and beyond.