Liverpool’s new £60 million contract, Dominik Szoboszlai, chose the number 8 shirt that Steven Gerrard once wore and admitted the former Kop captain was one of his inspirations.

Szoboszlai is eager to play for Liverpool

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract – just waiting on a work permit – after his transfer from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig was completed within days. An expensive contract that also happened quickly after Liverpool activated Szoboszlai’s contract release clause on Friday, hours before that clause expired.

Szoboszlai chose the legendary number 8 shirt

Szoboszlai will wear the shirt recently vacated by Naby Keita, also a former Leipzig player whose contract has expired. But the Hungarian midfielder did not turn to senior Naby Keita but chose shirt number 8 because of his admiration for Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

He confided: “When I was a kid, to be honest, I didn’t watch much football but of course back then I only watched the Champions League or big matches. And I always watch Liverpool and the big teams. Watch the big players and he is one of the biggest.

“The last three or four days have been really long; times are not easy. But I finally got here, I’m happy and I can’t wait to start playing for Liverpool.”

Szoboszlai shows off his tattoo of Steven Gerrard and the words on his arm:

“Talent is a gift, but without extraordinary will and humility there is no value.”

The Hungary international is the second player to arrive in a midfield rebuild in the summer after Liverpool signed 24-year-old World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for £35m.

Szoboszlai is seen by Liverpool as a more viable option than old target Mason Mount, who they are interested in with 12 months left on his contract but Chelsea bid too high given his age, versatility and potential. ball skills.

The deal was done quickly as Szoboszlai was keen to move to Anfield and link up with Jurgen Klopp, who he has long admired. “I was really happy to hear that Liverpool were interested, but I kept calm because I didn’t want to be happy too soon.

“As I said, in 2020 I think Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world. The way he acts on the edge of the field, it’s like he’s playing with everyone else. I really enjoyed that.

“And what he has achieved with this club is also really impressive, so I am looking forward to working with Klopp.”