Newcastle transfers: £60m Howe summer target ‘interested in challenges’ and ‘will consider’ move from Bundesliga
Newcastle United have been given a boost in their pursuit of RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai after the forward confessed he will ‘consider’ other clubs.
The Magpies have been linked with many players since the end of the season. Their top-four finish means Eddie Howe will need to fashion a squad capable of dealing with both the Premier League and Champions League. The former Bournemouth chief has already proven himself to be shrewd operator in the transfer market.
Taking over a club in relegation trouble, he recruited well to guide them to a fourth-place finish within 18 months. The challenge now is to continue the upward trend in the coming seasons.
Szoboszlai has been linked with the Tynesiders since the start of last month.
The 22-year-old has caught the attention of a few top clubs with his displays for Die Roten Bullen over two seasons.
He made 15 starts among 31 Bundesliga outings in 2021-2022. However, from the same number of appearances this season, he was given the nod on 28 occasions.
The former Red Bull Salzburg ace has bagged 10 goals in all competitions in each of the last two campaigns.
In addition to his six league goals in 2022-23, he registered eight assists.
He is clearly a player that Newcastle want on board and it seems as though the talented youngster is open to a switch of club.
Szoboszlai fits Newcastle mould
Howe has prioritised signing young players over experienced stars since he arrived at St James’ Park.
Szoboszlai fits the bill. And, having previously hinted he was ‘open’ to a move, per Sport Winess, he may now have kicked his last ball for Leipzig.
“If there is interest, I will consider it,” he told reporters. “Not because I don’t have a good time in Leipzig, but because I have always been interested in challenges.
“On one side of the scale is a good Leipzig, with a coach who trusts me and team-mates who accept me and also believe in me.
“No footballer can wish for more than that, this is quite an exciting situation.
“At the same time, on the other side, there is the question if I can now take a step towards Europe’s top five or six clubs, should I say no to the challenge? I’ve never been that type.”
Szoboszlai helped Leipzig qualify for the Champions League with a third place Bundesliga finish.
But, while he is happy with the present employers, his ambition to play at a higher level is obvious.
“I am in a very good position as I can play in a fantastic club,” he added. “However, I don’t want 15 years from now to look back on my career as if I didn’t get the most out of it.”
Newcastle are expected to make their move in the next few days after waiting for Leipzig to conclude their season.
They did so with a 2-0 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt in Saturday’s DFB-Pokal final.
Szoboszlai put the gloss on an excellent display with the second goal five minutes from time.
