Liverpool are facing growing concern over the future of Dominik Szoboszlai as both Real Madrid and Manchester City have begun monitoring the midfielder’s situation at Anfield.
The Hungarian international has been one of the standout performers for Arne Slot’s side this season, combining work rate, creativity, and leadership in midfield.
Now in his third year at the club, Szoboszlai’s influence has only deepened — but his current contract and reported wage level have raised eyebrows both inside Liverpool and across Europe.
Liverpool worried about contract as rivals take notice
According to AS in Spain, both Real Madrid and Manchester City are interested in Szoboszlai with report describing Liverpool’s concern about his long-term future as “significant.”
Szoboszlai, who joined the Reds from RB Leipzig in 2023, is believed to be earning around €130,000 per week — a figure that the Spanish outlet labelled as “negligible” when compared with other top Premier League stars.
To put that into perspective, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes are both said to earn close to £300,000 per week.
While Liverpool’s hierarchy are known for maintaining a strict wage structure, there is recognition that Szoboszlai’s importance to the team may now justify an improved deal.
Sources indicate that preliminary discussions over a contract extension have already taken place, with Liverpool reportedly exploring a new long-term agreement that would keep Szoboszlai at the club until 2030.
The proposed renewal would include a considerable pay rise to reward his influence and fend off interest from Europe’s elite.
During the current campaign, Szoboszlai’s adaptability has been one of his most valuable traits.
Although primarily a central midfielder, he has also filled in at right-back when injuries or tactical shifts demanded it.
His energy, pressing intensity, and composure on the ball have drawn plaudits from pundits and supporters alike.
“When Liverpool have been good, Dominik Szoboszlai is the golden thread,” said football journalist Melissa Reddy.
“When they’re bad, he still is a cut above; trying everything, covering everywhere. Special player, special attitude.”
Those words echo the growing sentiment among fans who see the Hungarian as central to the club’s transition period.
While the Reds remain in contention across multiple competitions, there is an understanding that maintaining the core of the squad — including Szoboszlai — is vital for long-term stability.
Praise from pundits as Szoboszlai shines for Liverpool
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock also highlighted the midfielder’s impact following the team’s win over Real Madrid last week.
“Dominik Szoboszlai, wow! The energy he has, the recovery challenges he makes and the way he gets to the edge of the penalty area is so impressive,” Warnock said.
That performance, which once again showcased Szoboszlai’s dynamism in both defence and attack, is thought to have reinforced Madrid’s admiration.
The Spanish giants, currently planning for the next generation of midfielders, have reportedly identified him as a potential long-term target.
Manchester City are interested in Szoboszlai as they reportedly view him as a natural fit for Pep Guardiola’s tactical system — a versatile player capable of operating in multiple roles while maintaining elite technical standards.
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His pressing ability and work ethic, key features of his game at Liverpool, would complement City’s style perfectly.
Liverpool’s challenge now lies in ensuring that such interest doesn’t turn into formal approaches.
With his current contract running until 2028, there is no immediate danger of losing him for free, but the club’s executives are keenly aware of how quickly situations can evolve in the modern transfer market.
Meanwhile, Liverpool supporters have grown accustomed to seeing star players attract attention from abroad, with memories of departures like Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mané and Trent Alexander Arnold still fresh.
However, there is quiet optimism within the club that this situation can be resolved differently.
