Newcastle United and Liverpool’s interest in £61m transfer takes fresh twist

RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has a £61million release clause - but European clubs are running out of time to trigger it.

Several teams, including Premier League pair Newcastle and Liverpool, have taken notice of the Hungarian international following another impressive campaign in Germany.

Szoboszlai scored 10 goals in 46 appearances to help Leipzig finish third in the Bundesliga table and lift the German Cup for the second consecutive season.

His release clause has been widely reported but new information from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano claims it is only valid until June 30.

It is unlikely Newcastle will activate the 22-year-old’s release clause, though they could negotiate a reduced fee should they receive encouragement that is possible.

The Magpies sent scouts to watch Szoboszlai last month and he did not disappoint after scoring in wins over Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich.

It’s understood Szoboszlai is aware of United’s interest and is open to a new challenge this summer.

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The player fuelled speculation linking him with Eddie Howe’s side after liking a social media post that said “Newcastle are ONE win away from Champions League qualification”.

Szoboszlai recently hinted at a potential exit when asked if he would stay at Leipzig.

“I didn’t say that,” he said. “We still have three games [remaining this season]. For those three games I’m definitely still at RB Leipzig. I want to play in the Champions League.”

In a separate interview, Szoboszlai said: “If there is interest, I will consider it,. 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. I am in a very good position as I can play in a fantastic club. 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.”

Since moving to Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021, where Liverpool first tracked the player, Szoboszlai has played 91 times and netted 20 goals.