Newcastle United continue to scout RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai but Eddie Howe’s preference for Premier League experience could see the Magpies prioritise James Maddison or Conor Gallagher instead.
Reports from Szoboszlai’s native Hungary over the weekend suggested that Newcastle United – boasting the money to matches their mouth these days – were willing to offer the Bundesliga star a salary of around £190,000-a-week at St James’ Park.
It seems those reports, however, were a little premature.
Because, according to the Daily Mail, Dominik Szoboszlai is far from Howe’s number one target, even if Newcastle did sent scouts to watch the former Red Bull Salzburg talisman score a late decider against Werder Bremen on Sunday.
Will Newcastle United go for Dominik Szoboszlai?
Newcastle, since Howe’s appointment in late-2022, have enjoyed real success bringing in players with a proven track record in England’s top flight. Dan Burn, Kieran Tripper, Nick Pope, Joe Willock.
And while Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes are proof that there is value to be found beyond the Isle of Wight, the Mail believes that – if Newcastle are going to spend in excess of £30 million on a new attacking midfielder – Howe would rather minimise the risks by bringing in a man who has proven himself capable of handing the rigours of English football.
Gallagher, while much-maligned at Chelsea, was outstanding during a loan spell at Crystal Palace in 2021/22. Maddison, meanwhile, has 19 goals or assists for a hapless, second-from-bottom Leicester City side.
22-year-old Szoboszlai, though brimming with potential, has been somewhat inconsistent since taking the road well-travelled from Salzburg to Leipzig. And while tally of eight goals and 13 assists this season is certainly impressive, it’s worth remembering that Timo Werner and Naby Keita also produced eye-catching numbers at Leipzig before flopping in England.
“We still have three games (remaining),” Szoboszlai said before that Werder Bremen victory, a win which almost secures a top-four spot for Leipzig.
“For these three games, I’m definitely still at RB Leipzig. I want to play in the Champions League. We will see what happens.”
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