Dominik Szoboszlai’s rise at Liverpool has not gone unnoticed across Europe. According to reports, Manchester City and Real Madrid are closely monitoring the midfielder’s situation as speculation grows about a potential transfer in 2026.

Szoboszlai, 25, joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2023 and quickly became one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders — a creative engine with the stamina of a winger and the shooting technique of a forward.

His performances this season, particularly in the Champions League and domestic top-flight, have reignited interest from elite clubs searching for dynamic playmakers.

“Dominik is one of the most tactically intelligent and technically versatile midfielders in Europe right now,” said former Hungary coach Marco Rossi. “It’s no surprise the biggest clubs are circling.”

City and Madrid Eye a Midfield Evolution

Manchester City, still evolving under Pep Guardiola’s post-Kevin De Bruyne era, view Szoboszlai as a natural heir to the Belgian’s creative role. With De Bruyne turning 34 next summer and battling recurring injuries, City are prioritizing a long-term successor who can operate between lines and press with intensity.

Scouts from the Etihad have reportedly attended several Liverpool fixtures this autumn, focusing on Szoboszlai’s off-ball movement and transitional play — two hallmarks of Guardiola’s system.

At Real Madrid, the interest stems from a different philosophy. Club insiders suggest Szoboszlai is seen as a complementary figure to Jude Bellingham, capable of balancing Madrid’s attacking midfield with more direct goal threat and set-piece quality.

“Madrid’s model is clear — target elite players in their mid-20s who can define the next decade,” said Spanish football analyst Guillem Balagué. “Szoboszlai fits that profile perfectly.”

Liverpool’s Stance

Liverpool, however, have no intention of selling. Szoboszlai’s current contract runs until 2028, with no formal release clause. Club sources indicate he remains central to Rúben Amorim’s midfield rebuild, alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.

Having cost £60 million two years ago, his market value is now estimated at £120–130 million, driven by consistent output:

• 6 goals and 9 assists in 18 appearances this season

• 88% pass completion rate, 2.3 key passes per game

• Top 5% in pressing recoveries among Premier League midfielders

Amorim recently praised Szoboszlai’s influence, calling him “the heartbeat of the team” after Liverpool’s 3–1 win over Brighton.

“He plays like he’s been here for a decade,” Amorim said. “We don’t build around him — he builds around everyone else.”

The Business Angle

Behind the scenes, both Madrid and City are waiting to see if Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes can resist financial temptation.

With UEFA’s squad cost ratio rule tightening next year — limiting clubs to spending 80% of revenue on wages and transfers — a record sale could ease budget constraints for Liverpool’s next phase of recruitment.

Yet selling Szoboszlai could also risk destabilizing a midfield unit finally regaining rhythm after multiple rebuilds since Jordan Henderson and Fabinho departed.

The Takeaway

For now, Liverpool’s stance is firm: Szoboszlai is untouchable. But as the 2026 summer window approaches, few expect Europe’s powerhouses to back off.

Whether it’s City’s precision or Madrid’s prestige, Dominik Szoboszlai has officially entered the rarefied tier of players who shape club strategies — not just games.

“He’s got the game of a modern No. 8 and the mentality of a captain,” said a Premier League scout. “That combination is priceless.”