Arsenal’s scouts aimed for Dominik Szoboszlai, but an overhaul led to signing Willian instead.
In the summer of 2020, Arsenal faced a critical moment as they prepared to change their recruitment strategy, impacting two players on very different paths.
The scouting team had identified a promising 19-year-old midfielder from Red Bull Salzburg, Dominik Szoboszlai.
However, the decision-makers chose a different direction, marking a significant shift in the club’s operations.
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Arsenal scouts supported Dominik Szoboszlai but were overruled during a restructuring
Szoboszlai had been on Arsenal’s radar for a while. The recruitment team viewed him as one of Europe’s top young midfielders, potentially a successor to Aaron Ramsey.
Internal reports highlighted his technical skills, mentality, and versatility, according to CBS Sports.
However, these evaluations coincided with a transformation in Arsenal’s structure. With Edu becoming the technical director, the scouting department underwent significant changes.
Many who had advocated for Szoboszlai were let go, leading to a more data-focused approach at the club.
This resulted in Szoboszlai being removed from the shortlist, as Arsenal opted for a more seasoned player: Willian, who was departing Chelsea.
Willian’s time at Arsenal compared to Dominik Szoboszlai’s growth
Willian joined Arsenal with extensive Premier League experience and was seen as a leader. Edu justified the move, stating it would bring “immediate quality” to the young squad.
At 32, however, Willian was nearing the end of his career, and his stint at Arsenal was brief. He played 37 matches, scored once, and left after one season by mutual agreement.
In contrast, Szoboszlai followed the trajectory predicted by Arsenal’s scouts. He transferred from Salzburg to RB Leipzig and later joined Liverpool, establishing himself as an essential player in the Premier League.
For Arsenal supporters, seeing Szoboszlai excel elsewhere serves as a reminder of missed opportunities and illustrates how internal changes can influence a club’s future.
Read More: Liverpool faces increasing competition for £88m target and another promising prospect
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