Liverpool urged to make Dominik Szoboszlai decision after 'disappointing' Real Madrid comments

Dominik Szoboszlai's form this season isn't going unnoticed, but Liverpool might not be best pleased with his national team boss linking him with a move to Real Madrid

Dominik Szoboszlai has been linked with a move to Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Shay Given has urged Liverpool to get Dominik Szoboszlai tied down to a new contract after he was linked with a move to Real Madrid by Hungary’s head coach.

Szoboszlai was once again a standout performer on Saturday in what has already been a superb individual season. The midfielder scored his 10th goal of the season in the Reds’ win over Brighton in the FA Cup, and earned yet more plaudits for his display.

The 25-year-old has been earning comparisons with club legend Steven Gerrard, something that he himself has played down, but his form has also led to some unwanted attention from Liverpool’s perspective.

Szoboszlai has been linked with a move to Madrid previously this season, and Hungary boss Marco Rossi has now added fuel to the fire by suggesting the midfielder has always wanted to join the Spanish giants.

"Real Madrid has always been his dream," Rossi has been quoted as saying by Marca, citing his “very close and direct relationship” with Szoboszlai.

Liverpool knows only too well the draw a move to the Bernabeu can have for a player, having seen Trent Alexander-Arnold move there last summer, while Ibrahima Konate has been linked with joining Los Blancos later this year.

Hungary boss Marco Rossi has suggested Dominik Szoboszlai is dreaming of a move to Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Losing Szoboszlai as well would be a major blow, with former Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper Given just one of a number of pundits impressed by his development this season.

“He’s been the standout player for Liverpool all season,” Given told the BBC’s Match of the Day. “I think they’ve dipped as a team, obviously they’re champions, but this guy feels like he’s gone up a level if anything. He is a star performer.

“You don’t want to compare him to any people at Liverpool, but you think of a Steven Gerrard when he’s spraying those balls around the pitch. He is a special talent this guy.

“I suppose a worry for Liverpool fans, I think his Hungarian coach has said this week his dream is to play for Real Madrid. If I was Liverpool looking at that, I’d be a bit disappointed, but at the same time, I’d try and tie him down.”

Liverpool has indeed been in talks with Szoboszlai over a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2028, although the midfielder has admitted recently that there hasn’t been any progress so far.

“Nothing yet. From now on, it’s not in my head,” Szoboszlai said earlier this month.

“It works this way. There is no progress since the same the last time we spoke. We will see. If the right offer is coming then we can speak.

“I’m completely relaxed about my situation. Right now, I am doing my job on the pitch and we will see.”