Today's Liverpool news sees a star player linked with a stunning move away from Anfield
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates
Dominik Szoboszlai has been Liverpool's best player this season(Image: Getty Images)
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Few Liverpool players can claim they're enjoying a stellar campaign by their own high standards this year. However, Hungarian star Dominik Szoboszlai is one Reds star who can be proud of his contributions.
Whilst Arne Slot's defending Premier League champions have fallen short of expectations this season, Szoboszlai has emerged as one of Europe's premier midfielders through a string of impressive performances - regardless of where he's been deployed.
Liverpool's talisman was once more in the spotlight on Saturday evening as the Reds progressed to the FA Cup fifth round following a 3-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield. It was Szoboszlai's exquisite strike, capping off a slick team move, that provided the icing on the cake during what proved a thoroughly encouraging evening for Slot.
However, today's Liverpool news sees the Reds shaken by suggestions that Szoboszlai harbours ambitions of joining European heavyweights Real Madrid. Remarks from the Hungarian's national team manager and Madrid legend Vinicius Jr. have done little to quell the rumours, the ECHO examines the situation more closely.
Vinicius Jr. makes claim
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. has revealed he communicates with Szoboszlai "a lot" - identifying the Hungarian amongst several players he counts as friends. The Brazilian's remarks are likely to intensify suggestions that the midfielder might be tempted by Los Blancos down the line.
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"I talk a lot with Szoboszlai," the 25-year-old Brazil forward told YouTuber Ibai. He rattled off a string of additional names in football as he outlined those he's particularly close to.
"We met when we were younger. [Lucas] Paqueta is my best friend in football. Raphinha in Barcelona, Savinho, Reinier in Brazil, who's played here too. We Brazilians are almost always together off the field.
Vinicius Jr celebrates
Vinicius Jr has opened up on his relationship with Dominik Szoboszlai(Image: Getty Images)
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"But from other teams who aren't Brazilian, Reece James, I'm very good friends with him. Rafael Leao, I have quite a few friends outside."
Szoboszlai arrived at Liverpool from RB Leipzig for £60 million in 2023 and remains tied to the club until 2028. He has recently acknowledged that discussions have taken place over extending his deal at Anfield.
Hungarian coach comments
With the statements from Vinicius Jr. undoubtedly triggering concern, Hungary national team manager Marco Rossi has effectively added fuel to the speculation connecting Szoboszlai with Madrid. Speaking to Qatari outlet Winwin, he suggested that a switch to the Spanish capital represents a "dream" for the player.
Dominik Szoboszlai during a Liverpool game
Dominik Szoboszlai has been linked with a move away from Liverpool(Image: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates)
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He said: "Dominic is currently one of the best players in the ranks of Liverpool and the Premier League, thanks to his outstanding form, where he has developed a lot and clearly.
"He is currently one of the best players in Europe and the world, and it is natural that there are clubs that will be interested in signing him. From what I have heard and what I know, and because of the very good and direct relationship I have had with Dominic since he started playing football as a child, Real Madrid was his dream.
"I absolutely don't rule out the possibility of him staying at Liverpool and renewing his contract there, especially because he's highly valued within the club. He's a very important player for Liverpool. And Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world."
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