Manchester City ‘closely monitoring’ Liverpool midfielder – Real Madrid also interested | OneFootball

One of the central stars in Arne Slot’s Liverpool midfield has now been linked with transfer interest from those at Manchester City, according to Spanish reports.

Manchester City’s recruitment team continue to keep tabs on high-performing midfielders across Europe as they plan for the next phase of Pep Guardiola’s evolution at the Etihad Stadium.

With uncertainty surrounding several midfield options in the coming months – mainly Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva – new names are being assessed as part of a strategy to maintain depth and versatility in central areas.

Dominik Szoboszlai has emerged as one of the standout performers in the Premier League since his move from RB Leipzig to Liverpool in 2023, with the player becoming renowned for his creativity, energy, and technical precision, establishing himself as one of Arne Slot’s most dynamic midfielders.

His ability to operate as both a playmaker and a wide forward has drawn attention from Europe’s elite, and it now appears two of the continent’s most prominent names are both closely tracking his situation.

That is according to Spanish newspaper AS, who claim that both Real Madrid and Manchester City are ‘closely monitoring’ Szoboszlai, with Liverpool officials becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ about the Hungarian’s contract situation and long-term future.

It is claimed the 25-year-old currently earns €130,000-per-week, described as a ‘negligible figure’ when compared to other players in the same position such as Jude Bellingham’s €400,000 per week, Bernardo Silva’s €300,000 per week, Bruno Fernandes’ €300,000 per week, and Jamal Musiala’s €360,000 per week.

From the side of decision makers at Liverpool, they are unsurprisingly said to be interested in renewing Szoboszlai’s contract until 2030, and rewarding his excellent performances with a pay rise at the club.

Given Manchester City’s admiration for versatile and technically gifted midfielders, Szoboszlai fits the mould of a Pep Guardiola-style player; press-resistant, creative in transition, and capable of influencing games from multiple zones.

However, any approach from the Etihad Stadium would likely depend on whether Liverpool’s renewal efforts stall, and if the player himself begins to consider options elsewhere, in addition to the Reds’ willingness to negotiate with a direct rival.

From Liverpool’s perspective, protecting Szoboszlai’s value will be essential. For Manchester City, the level of their interest may hinge on how the club reshape their midfield in 2026 and beyond, especially if exits occur next summer.

With Pep Guardiola’s preference for long-term planning and Liverpool’s possible growing concern over Szoboszlai’s contract, this developing situation could become an intriguing transfer storyline heading into the 2026 window.