Dominik Szoboszlai once again demonstrated his importance to Liverpool on Sunday as he played a crucial part in Alexis Mac Allister’s winning goal against Nottingham Forest.
The No. 8 could easily have played an easy pass to the side when fed Joe Gomez’s throw-in, but he toyed with his marker before delivering an inviting whipped cross.
Liverpool would not have scored without his decision to hold onto the ball for a little longer, and it was just another example of how much of the Reds’ good work goes through Szoboszlai.
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It is this kind of moment which has ramped up the urgency over the 25-year-old’s contract situation. With more than two years left on his current deal, there should be little reason to worry for Liverpool fans. However, rumours have begun that Szoboszlai is keen to play for Real Madrid, causing understandable concern.
However, as Liverpool continue to discuss a new contract with him, journalist David Lynch has spoken out to explain why supporters can ignore any suggestions that Szoboszlai could leave this summer.
Nothing substantial in Szoboszlai exit talk
If Szoboszlai were to leave Liverpool in the near future, it would surely be to another of the world’s best clubs. He has consistently shown himself to be of that standard this season.
But although he may well dream of a move to Real Madrid, Lynch has told Anfield Index that, as things stand, there is simply nothing in talk of the Hungary captain going anywhere, let alone the Spanish capital.
Dominik Szoboszlai after Nottingham Forest v Liverpool - Premier League
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“At the moment there’s absolutely nothing in it,” says the journalist. “It’s not like people are saying someone’s going to come for him, I think it’s all spiralled from someone [Hungary manager Marco Rossi] saying he wanted to play for Real Madrid.
“Well, do Real Madrid want him, do they need him, are they looking for someone of that profile at the moment, what kind of fee would they be asked to pay given he’s got two years left on his contract at the end of the season and Liverpool want to tie him down to another?
“We’ll see, but I haven’t heard anything about actual interest in him or that he’s going to go anywhere, so it’s not one that I think it’s worth wasting any time worrying about really.”
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Szoboszlai contract talks will be key
It is true that Liverpool are currently in a strong position to fend off interest in Szoboszlai should it arrive. However, as Reds fans have seen in the recent past, strength can quickly ebb away in terms of contract status’.
If Liverpool allow Szoboszlai to go into the final two years of his contract without signing another, it will put real pressure on them.
That is mere months away from happening, and will likely lead to Szoboszlai looking around at whether joining the likes of Real Madrid could be a genuine possibility for him.
Liverpool still have plenty of time to stop this from degenerating into another Trent Alexander-Arnold situation, but they must ensure they keep the foot on the pedal and tie their player of the season down. Do that in the coming months, and this kind of talk will go away in an instant.
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