The Hungarian Midfielder’s Stalled Negotiations Spark Alarm at Anfield – A Huge Problem for Fans as Europe’s Giants Circle

LIVERPOOL – November 21, 2025 – Liverpool’s midfield rebuild could be about to take a devastating blow. According to multiple sources including The Athletic and Sky Sports Germany, both Real Madrid and Manchester City have placed Dominik Szoboszlai on their shortlists after learning that contract talks between the Hungarian star and Liverpool have reached a complete standstill. The 25-year-old, who joined from RB Leipzig for £60 million in July 2023, has 18 months remaining on his current deal – and the longer the impasse continues, the more likely it becomes that Europe’s elite will pounce.

Szoboszlai’s camp is reportedly seeking parity with Liverpool’s highest earners (£300k+ per week) plus performance-related bonuses and a release clause that reflects his growing status as one of Europe’s premier attacking midfielders. Liverpool, still reeling from the summer exits of senior figures and cautious after last year’s record wage bill, are unwilling to break their structure for a player who, despite flashes of brilliance (12 goals and 9 assists last season), has struggled with consistency and minor injuries in 2025.

Insiders describe the situation as “increasingly tense.” Szoboszlai has privately told teammates he “loves Liverpool and the fans” but feels undervalued, especially after captaining Hungary at Euro 2024 and being named in the 2025 Ballon d’Or top-30. Real Madrid see him as the ideal long-term successor to Luka Modrić, while City view him as a younger, more dynamic alternative to an ageing Kevin De Bruyne. Both clubs have made preliminary enquiries through intermediaries, with Madrid reportedly prepared to trigger a £100 million release clause if negotiations collapse entirely.

The timing could hardly be worse for Arne Slot. Liverpool sit second in the Premier League but have looked vulnerable in transitions against direct sides, and losing Szoboszlai would rip the heart from the midfield engine that was painstakingly rebuilt after Henderson, Fabinho, and Wijnaldum left. Fans are already anxious: #KeepSzobo has trended twice this month, and the Kop displayed a banner reading “Dominik = Future” during last week’s win over Aston Villa.

Liverpool’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, remain publicly calm, insisting “talks are ongoing and positive.” Yet the longer the deadlock persists, the more leverage Szoboszlai gains – and the louder the alarm bells ring at Anfield.

If Real Madrid or Manchester City make a formal move in January or next summer, Liverpool risk losing one of their most marketable and talented players for far less than his true value – or watching him walk for free in 2027.

For a club that prides itself on never selling its crown jewels cheaply, this is rapidly becoming a nightmare scenario.

As one Melwood source put it: “We can’t afford to let this drag on. Dom is too important – on and off the pitch.”

The clock is ticking. And two of world football’s superpowers are waiting.