Dominik Szoboszlai takes on iconic Liverpool shirt number as Reds confirm £60m signing from RB Leipzig

Liverpool have announced the signing of Hungary midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, with the player taking on a legendary shirt number and sending his first message to Reds fans.

Newcastle United have been heavily linked with Szoboszlai in recent weeks, but on Wednesday David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed Liverpool to be ‘exploring’ a move of their own for him. Two days later, Fabrizio Romano stated that Liverpool had reached an agreement with Leipzig to sign Szoboszlai.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were under pressure to sort out a deal with the German club as Szoboszlai’s €70million (£60.1m) release clause was only valid until the end of Friday. But Liverpool managed to do this in time, allowing them to finalise personal terms with the star and book his medical.

That medical was a success as Liverpool have now confirmed Szoboszlai’s arrival. He becomes their second signing of the summer window, following fellow midfielder Alexis Mac Allister to Anfield.

The club have not disclosed the details of Szoboszlai’s contract, although Sky Sports have revealed it will run for five years until June 2028.

Szoboszlai, who has won 32 caps for the Hungary national team, will wear the number eight shirt next season. Naby Keita recently vacated the shirt after leaving Liverpool on a free transfer. It was previously worn by Steven Gerrard, who remains one of Liverpool’s best and most iconic players of all time.

In his first interview as a Liverpool player, Szoboszlai said: “It’s really, really good. I enjoyed the last [few] days and I’m looking forward to knowing everybody better.

“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.

Liverpool represents ‘perfect next step’ – Dominik Szoboszlai

“[A] really historic club, really good players, good coach, everything is good. For me it was perfect to make the next step in a club like this. The fans, the stadium, everything is really good.”

When asked to give his first message to the Liverpool faithful, Szoboszlai added: “That I can’t wait to see you in the stadium and I’m going to do everything that is possible from my side.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool and Newcastle will now face competition from Barcelona for an exciting star, as per a report.