BREAKING NEWS: Newcastle will be keen for star to outperform the’special’ £60 million star on…

When Newcastle United face Liverpool this weekend, the Magpies will be coming up against a player who nearly became their teammate earlier this summer.

While new signings Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes are very likely to feature for Eddie Howe’s side after joining the club, there will also be a player in red who decided to go elsewhere.

Dominik Szoboszlai signed for Liverpool earlier in the window, with Jurgen Klopp’s side activating his £60million release clause.

They beat Newcastle to his signature, despite the Magpies eyeing the Hungarian following James Maddison’s move to Tottenham Hotspur.

But Szoboszlai took his talents to Anfield, and will now be arriving at the ground he could have called home.

He will be at St James’ Park on Sunday, where Howe will be absolutely desperate for Tonali to outperform the ‘special‘ 22-year-old.

Newcastle need Tonali to outshine Szoboszlai on Sunday

While Szoboszlai wanted to sign for Liverpool over Newcastle, he is also a player who Toon officials did not prioritise.

Following his move to Anfield, it was reported that the Magpies did not think signing a player like Szoboszlai was essential, which is why they did not splash out to bring him to St James’ Park.

In contrast, Tonali was viewed as essential, and he arrived for £55million from AC Milan. He has enjoyed a bright start, producing a dream debut against Aston Villa.

He was less effective against Manchester City, but will hope to play a starring role this weekend. Howe will be particularly keen for Tonali to impress, as it would massively justify his decision to bring in the Italian over Szoboszlai.

They will be going head-to-head in the middle of the park, which could be where the game is won and lost. The midfield battle will also include Alexis Mac Allister, who is no longer suspended, and Bruno Guimaraes, who hit back at Toon fans after the reaction to the Man City defeat.