Spanish paper Diario AS reported that Real Madrid and Manchester City are monitoring Dominik Szoboszlai. Liverpool fans worried about losing another key midfielder. Madrid supporters immediately imagined him feeding Kylian Mbappé at the Bernabéu.
Strip that away and the situation is straightforward. Madrid and City are tracking a top-level midfielder. Liverpool are not selling. Szoboszlai is not pushing to leave. There are no negotiations.
Real Madrid’s interest fits their squad planning. They are now in the post-Modrić, post-Kroos era. Jude Bellingham is the attacking reference in midfield. Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni are expected to control the spine. Arda Güler is the young creator who moves between midfield and the forward line.
Federico Valverde links all of this together. He was one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most trusted players, but the current staff use him at right back, relying on his running to cover that flank. When Valverde plays deeper, Madrid lose one right-sided midfielder and gain a gap in the half-space. That is the role where Szoboszlai becomes relevant: a right-sided No. 8 who can carry the ball, combine with attackers and work without it.
For now, it is only monitoring. There is no bid, no meeting with agents and no sign that Szoboszlai is trying to force a move.
Manchester City’s link is similar. Pep Guardiola’s staff constantly track midfielders who could refresh the squad. Szoboszlai fits the profile they like: comfortable on the right, can play inside or wide, offers passing and ball-carrying. City, though, have already invested heavily around Rodri and tend to move only when price, role and timing are all right. At this stage, Szoboszlai looks like a name on a long list rather than an active target.
Liverpool’s stance is clear. They paid a significant fee to sign him from RB Leipzig and he plays in every major game under Arne Slot. He contributes goals, ball progression and pressing, and his contract runs well into the second half of the decade. The club are working on an improved deal that would extend his stay and raise his salary toward the level of comparable players.
There is no release clause reported in his current contract, so Liverpool hold a strong position. Any buyer would have to convince both club and player, and Liverpool have little incentive to weaken a midfield they have just rebuilt.
Szoboszlai has spoken positively about Liverpool and about handling the expectations that come with playing at Anfield. On the pitch he shows the same picture: high work rate, willingness to take responsibility and no visible signs of frustration with his role.
The most realistic short-term scenario is simple. Liverpool agree a new contract with Szoboszlai. Madrid keep following his development while they decide how to balance Bellingham, Güler and Valverde. City continue to monitor options without committing to this one. The rumor will return whenever Szoboszlai plays well, but for now it is interest at a distance, not the start of a transfer saga.
