Report: Underpaid Liverpool star attracting Real Madrid and Manchester City interest | OneFootball

Rising Stakes in Szoboszlai’s Contract Picture

Credit to AS for highlighting growing concerns inside Liverpool regarding Dominik Szoboszlai’s contract status. The midfielder signed in 2023 for around sixty million pounds with a five year agreement worth roughly one hundred and twenty thousand pounds per week. At the time it reflected the market value of an emerging talent. Two seasons on, that valuation looks completely outdated for a player who has been Liverpool’s only consistent performer this season.

Szoboszlai’s Expanding Influence

This season has been difficult for Liverpool, who sit eighth in the Premier League table, yet Szoboszlai’s consistency has been exceptional. His versatility has been vital for Arne Slot. He has already featured in attacking midfield, defensive midfield, right back and No10. Staff at the AXA Training Centre view him as one of the most reliable figures in the squad. His contribution to last season’s Premier League title win remains a reference point inside the club.

The growing admiration beyond Liverpool is clear. AS report that “Real Madrid and Manchester City are closely monitoring Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai”. They also note that Liverpool “are increasingly concerned about his contract situation and his long term future at Anfield”.

Market Value and External Pressure

Szoboszlai earns around 130,000 euros per week. AS underline how modest that figure looks when set beside players of similar calibre, including Jude Bellingham at around 400,000 per week and Bernardo Silva at 300,000 per week. With two years left on his deal after this season, he is approaching a point where his contract becomes a strategic priority.

A senior figure familiar with the situation told AS that Liverpool want a new agreement until 2030 and intend to “reward his excellent performance with a pay raise”. Another suggested that the club know they must be competitive because “he could earn that elsewhere without any hesitation from the biggest clubs”.

Contract Reality for Liverpool

If Liverpool aim to avoid outside opportunists, Szoboszlai will need to be placed high in the salary hierarchy, just behind Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. That would likely take him past the 250,000 per week mark. It is a significant commitment, but it matches his trajectory. His influence on this team and his complete skill set make him one of the most valuable midfielders in Europe right now.

Liverpool cannot afford uncertainty to grow. An early agreement would stabilise squad planning and send an important message heading into the next cycle under Slot.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective this story lands with a mix of pride and anxiety. Pride because Szoboszlai’s rise matches what supporters have seen with their own eyes since he walked through the door. He has power, creativity, leadership and tactical intelligence, traits that make him essential for Slot’s system. When results dip he is usually the one still producing, and that alone shows why top clubs are watching closely.

The anxiety stems from the club’s recent history with renewals. Supporters have lived through slow negotiations, public speculation and late pressure points. The moment Real Madrid and Manchester City appear in any report the alarm bells naturally start ringing. Even if there is no immediate danger, fans know how quickly situations can change when elite clubs sense an opportunity.

There is also the emotional side. Supporters want Liverpool to look after their best players. When AS highlight comparisons with Bellingham, Musiala and Bernardo Silva, it reinforces the idea that Szoboszlai is already performing at that level. Fans would argue that paying someone what they deserve is not extravagance, it is ambition, especially after a title winning season that should form the foundation of a strong new era.