Liverpool news as Dominik Szoboszlai speaks to Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid claim

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has been linked with a move to Real Madrid after comments from his Hungary manager Marco Rossi and Brazil star Vinicius Jr.

Dominik Szoboszlai has been linked with a move away from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Few Liverpool players can claim to be enjoying an outstanding campaign by their own lofty standards this year.

However, Hungarian star Dominik Szoboszlai is one Reds player who can take pride in his contributions. While Arne Slot's defending Premier League champions have fallen below expectations this season, Szoboszlai has established himself as one of Europe's finest midfielders through a series of excellent displays, regardless of his position on the pitch.

Liverpool's talisman was again in the limelight on Saturday as the Reds advanced to the FA Cup fifth round following a 3-0 triumph over Brighton at Anfield. It was Szoboszlai's superb strike, completing a flowing team move, that provided the cherry on top during what proved a wholly positive day for Slot.

However, the latest Liverpool news sees the Reds unsettled by suggestions that Szoboszlai holds aspirations of joining Real Madrid. Comments from the Hungarian national team manager and Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. have done little to dampen the speculation, with Liverpool.com taking a closer look at the situation.

Vinicius Jr. makes claim

Vinicius has disclosed he speaks with Szoboszlai "a lot" - naming the Hungarian amongst several players he regards as friends. The Brazilian's comments are likely to fuel suggestions that the midfielder might be enticed by Los Blancos in the future.

"I talk a lot with Szoboszlai," the 25-year-old Brazilian forward revealed to YouTuber Ibai. He reeled off several other names in soccer as he detailed those he's especially close to.

Vinicius Jr. has opened up on his relationship with Dominik Szoboszlai(Image: Getty Images)

The superstar added: "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.

"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 joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2023 and remains contracted to the club until 2028. He has recently confirmed that talks have occurred regarding prolonging his deal at Anfield.

Hungary boss comments

With the remarks from Vinicius inevitably sparking anxiety, Hungary national team boss Marco Rossi has essentially stoked the rumors linking Szoboszlai with Madrid. In conversation with Qatari publication Winwin, he indicated that a transfer to the Spanish capital constitutes a "dream" for the player.

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."