Marcel Brands can hand Carlo Ancelotti an “explosive” dream by signing Dominik Szoboszlai, after Everton reportedly joined the vast chase emerging for the Red Bull Salzburg star.
What’s the word?
According to 90min, a host of European clubs including Everton are interested in a deal for Szoboszlai after the 20-year-old reached a new level with 12 goals and 18 assists in all competitions last season.
The Hungarian sensation, described as being "like Kai Havertz" by Lothar Matthaus this month, has already had a hand in 14 goals this term, too, with five goals and nine assists after just 13 games. That has dealt a hammer blow to Arsenal’s hopes of an easy deal as Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Wolves, Leicester and the Toffees are eager to offer Szoboszlai the chance to play in the Premier League.
Szoboszlai can have his choice of Champions League sides, too, with RB Leipzig, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain, Olympique Lyonnais, SL Benfica and FC Porto all lining up at his door.
His services are so highly in-demand as the midfielder can be signed for just €25million (£22.3m) thanks to a modest release clause in his Salzburg contract, making Szoboszlai one of the most-wanted players in the world.
The 6 ft 1 machine has his pick of clubs as there are so many things to like about his game, with Wolfgang Gasparik, who researches Austrian football for Football Manager, lauding the 12-cap wonderkid for his ability on the ball, composure and threat from set-pieces.
“A very explosive, strong playmaker who is preferred on the left side,” Gasparik told 101 Great Goals. “Technically brilliant, very clever and a good overview for his teammates. Very calm when he has the ball and opens up spaces for the team through his powerful acceleration.”
“Always dangerous in 1 vs 1 situations, as he is also good at power dribbling on the sideline. In any case, his standard situations are undisputed. With his precise crosses at corner kicks, he repeatedly introduces dangerous situations that often lead to goals.”
Forget Sigurdsson
Szoboszlai is earning more and more suitors by the day as his efforts continue to dazzle, having caused Bayern Munich a myriad of issues in the Champions League a fortnight ago before hitting the international stage with a stunning last-minute solo goal to seal Hungary’s place at next summer’s postponed Euro 2020 tournament at Iceland’s expense.
The Salzburg star now has the potential to deal further damage to one of Iceland’s best by joining Everton, as Szoboszlai’s arrival would cast a dark shadow over Gylfi Sigurdsson’s Goodison Park future.
While Gasparik noted how Szoboszlai enjoys playing out on the left, it was in a more-central position that he impressed in defeat to Bayern Munich, with the 20-year-old sensation recording four key passes at home to the German powerhouse.
His dribbling prowess was then as clear as day against Iceland, with Szoboszlai picking the ball up and driving into the visitor’s half, drifting between two players and placing a perfect effort into the bottom corner of Peter Gulacsi’s net.
Szoboszlai’s explosive threat would make the midfielder a dream addition for Ancelotti and Everton if their Director of Football Brands can convince the Salzburg product of a move, securing someone far more exciting than Sigurdsson who boasts just two goals and five assists in 30 games under the Toffees’ Italian tactician.
AND in other news, Marcel Brands can solve a “concerning” situation with a decisive call on Everton’s £54k-p/w enforcer.