Football

Premier League Transfers: Newcastle and Liverpool confirm two big signings

July 3, 2023 11:24 pm
Premier League Transfers: Newcastle and Liverpool confirm two big signings
Sandro Tonali of AC Milan and Ismael Bennacer of AC Milan seen during Serie A 2022/23 football match between AC Milan and Empoli FC at San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy on April 07, 2023 (Photo by Fabrizio Carabelli/LiveMedia/LiveMedia/Sipa USA) - Photo by Icon sport

As we enter July, the British transfer window is starting to heat up with two of the biggest clubs in the Premier League confirming two huge midfield signings in two days. Firstly, Liverpool announced that they had signed Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60m, while Newcastle United confirmed the transfer of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan for £55m.

Both players are set to play key roles for their new teams, not only next season but long into the future too given that they are 22 and 23 years old respectively. Given both Eddie Howe and Jurgen Klopp had made midfield reinforcements a priority this summer, both men will be delighted to have their primary targets over the line just as the rest of their squads return for pre-season.

With two months of the transfer window still to go, however, you wouldn’t bet against either man adding more weapons to their armoury before the Premier League starts again in the middle of August. For now, though, here is everything you need to know about the two major deals.

Dominik Szoboszlai – A vital addition for the Reds

Last season, it was abundantly clear that Liverpool’s midfield was in dire need of reinforcements. Thiago Alcantara couldn’t stay fit, Jordan Henderson’s legs were waining, Fabinho’s form fell off a cliff and James Milner’s age was finally starting to show.

While youngsters Stefan Bajcetic and Curtis Jones offered flashes of potential, Klopp was always going to be in the market for midfielders this summer. Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, even suggested at one point last season that the German would look to bring three midfielders into the club and so far they have already completed the signing of two.

After securing Alexis Mac Allister for an initial fee of £35m, Liverpool turned their attention to a more attacking midfielder – one capable of providing assists and goals from the middle of the park. Dominik Szoboszlai certainly fits that bill – the Hungarian has a combined 28 goals/assists in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons.

Liverpool made their move for the 22-year-old quite quickly and with just hours to go until his release clause expired, the club decided to pay the full £60m to get the deal over the line before the matter became complicated. He has since passed a medical and signed a five-year contract at Anfield until 2028.

Sandro Tonali – Italian grit heading to Wearside

The signing of Sandro Tonali is another big statement from Newcastle United that they are here to stay among the elite after qualifying for the Champions League at the end of last season. Eddie Howe’s men perhaps punched above their weight last term but aren’t planning on resting on their laurels.

Throughout June, Newcastle were linked with a whole host of midfield and defensive targets but have finally got one over the line in the form of Tonali. The defensive midfielder has impressed at AC Milan over the past couple of seasons and was integral in helping the Rossoneri end their league-title drought two seasons ago.

The 23-year-old will add some much-needed steel to the Newcastle midfield and his presence should allow Bruno Guimaraes to venture forward more to help in the attacking phases of play. He has signed a five-year contract at St James Park until 2028.

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