Struggling Manchester United star Mason Mount was once a priority signing for Liverpool

Long before Liverpool signed anyone in the 2023 Summer transfer window, the Reds had made their targets very clear in Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Mason Mount. The Reds were lucky enough to land Macca from the Seagulls, but circumstances meant Mount could not join the Reds, and instead, found himself in Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United after leaving his boyhood club.

Mount’s versatility made him an attractive prospect, and Liverpool believed they could secure him for a reasonable fee, considering he had just one year left on his contract at Chelsea. Moreover, the Blues were looking to offload players, creating an opportunity for a potential transfer.

However, Mount had other plans. His desire to join United was clear, leading to a move to Old Trafford on a lucrative contract. Liverpool, unwilling to stretch their budget, turned their attention to RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai, triggering his release clause just hours before its expiry. Contrasting journeys until now for both, Szobo and Mount.

As the season unfolds, Szoboszlai continues to shine brightly in Liverpool’s midfield. His performances have added a new dimension to Liverpool’s playing style, injecting excitement, and free-flowing creativity into their game. With the Hungarian maestro orchestrating the midfield, Liverpool have retained their position as a Premier League frontrunner, delighting fans with visually appealing football. The Athletic [subscription required] makes a wonderful comparison of the pair’s contrasting fortunes.

Pressure Mounts on Mason

On the other hand, had Mason Mount donned Liverpool’s colours, it’s conceivable that the Reds’ midfield would have been equally potent. However, Mount’s decision to opt for Manchester United has taken him on a different trajectory.

In the wake of United’s struggles in the Premier League, his career at Old Trafford seems mired in uncertainty. While Mount certainly possesses immense talent, adapting to his new surroundings amid injury setbacks has been a challenge. Nine appearances with United so far, and he only has one assist to boot while Szobo has made the Liverpool midfield his own, scoring two and assisting two in his 14 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s men so far.

In terms of summer transfer business, there’s absolutely no doubt that Liverpool now stand as the more satisfied party. Szoboszlai’s seamless integration into the squad and his consistently outstanding performances are testimony to Liverpool’s successful acquisition.

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The contrast in fortunes between the two players exemplifies the success of Liverpool’s approach, and as the season unfolds, the Reds can look forward to enjoying the continued brilliance of Dominik Szoboszlai in their midfield. Tough luck Mason. This shade of red couldn’t have been much worse than what it already is for you at OT.