Real Madrid are reportedly keen on signing a Liverpool star who wants a pay rise but face competition from Manchester City for his signature. The two European giants are no strangers to battling one another for one of Europe's top talents.
Los Blancos won the race to sign Jude Bellingham in the summer of 2023 after he was linked with both Premier League clubs. The English midfielder has become an important player at the Estadio Bernabeu but has come under criticism this season.
At least one new midfielder is expected to arrive at Madrid this summer in a rebuild. That could come under a new permanent manager with reports suggesting Jurgen Klopp remains the frontrunner to take over.
If Madrid manage to appoint Klopp they could be looking to make one of his former players his first signing. He was still in charge at Anfield when Dominik Szoboszlai joined the Merseysiders from RB Leipzig in €70 million in July 2023.
Szoboszlai has arguably been Arne Slot's best performer this season and the Hungarian wants a new deal that reflects his importance in his team. He has made 33 appearances across competitions, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.
Hungarian outlet Blikk reports that the 25-year-old is demanding €345,000 (£300,000) per week in wages. Negotiations between the Premier League club and their player are underway and he feels he warrants a contract that sees him earn more than summer signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
It's claimed that Madrid are eyeing the Hungarian midfielder amid his contract situation. His versatility could be extremely helpful at the Bernabeu given he can play in attacking, central and defensive midfield aswell as at right-back.
Hungarian outlet Hir TV claims that City are also keeping tabs ahead of their clash with the Reds on Sunday in the Premier League. If his club are unable to agree to terms on a new contract it could lead to a transfer tug-of-war between Los Blancos and the Cityzens.
Szoboszlai would be an unbelievable signing for Madrid
Madrid need a midfield reset this summer and that should include signing a player with experience at the top level. That's the case with Szoboszlai who has a Premier League title to his name and has stepped up this season and become his team's main man.
Liverpool looked set to be involved in the title race earlier this season especially when they beat Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield. Their Hungarian scored a sensational winner with a free-kick before Slot's men slumped and have all but handed their crown over to the Gunners.
Dominik Szoboszlai against Arsenal 🚀😮💨pic.twitter.com/DXWfL3ABCz
— Slotoholic (@Slotoholic) January 7, 2026
Slot gave a glowing verdict of Szoboszlai after the victory against Mikel Arteta's league leaders. He highlighted his performance from right-back (via ESPN):
"Unbelievable game from him in the position he probably paid only two or three times in his life so it tells you a lot about the mentality he has."
A deal for Szoboszlai seems unlikely given how crucial he is for Liverpool. But Madrid should be ready to pounce if the Hungarian fails to agree terms on a contract extension with his current deal up in the summer of 2028.