Liverpool fans are facing a familiar sense of dread as the "Bernabéu bug" bites again. Just months after Trent Alexander-Arnold completed his high-profile move to the Spanish capital, another cornerstone of Arne Slot’s project has been identified as having "one dream": playing for Real Madrid.
The player in question is none other than Hungarian maestro Dominik Szoboszlai. Despite being the frontrunner for Liverpool’s Player of the Season award, comments from his national team coach have sparked a firestorm of speculation regarding his long-term future at Anfield.
The Revelation: "One Dream" Since Childhood
The bombshell news dropped this weekend via Hungary head coach Marco Rossi. Speaking to Marca, Rossi—who has mentored Szoboszlai since his youth—revealed that the midfielder has harboured a specific career goal for over a decade.
"Dominik, ever since he started playing football, has had one dream: to play for Real Madrid. Because of the very close relationship I have with him, I know that has always been his goal." — Marco Rossi
The 25-year-old’s form has certainly matched that ambition. With 10 goals and 7 assists in 35 appearances this season, Szoboszlai has become the undisputed engine of the Liverpool midfield, earning constant comparisons to club legend Steven Gerrard.
Contract Standoff at Anfield?
While Szoboszlai is currently under contract until June 2028, the "Madrid noise" comes at a delicate time. Liverpool have reportedly made a "new-and-improved" contract offer to the playmaker to reflect his status as an elite European star.
However, in a candid interview following Saturday’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, Szoboszlai admitted that there has been "no progress" on the deal. This impasse, combined with Rossi’s comments, has led to fears that the midfielder could follow Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps to Spain if Liverpool fail to secure Champions League football for 2026/27.
Real Madrid "Lurking in the Shadows"
For Los Blancos, the timing is perfect. With Luka Modric set to retire this summer, the Spanish giants are in the market for a creative, high-energy midfielder who can transition play.
While Bruno Fernandes has also been linked with Madrid, Szoboszlai’s age (25) and versatility—having played right-back, winger, and #10 for Slot this season—make him a much more attractive long-term "Galactico" project. Reports suggest Madrid have already "noted" the player's recent social media activity, where he was seen applauding posts from Vinicius Junior and his former teammate Alexander-Arnold.
The Liverpool Stance
Despite the "One Dream" headlines, Liverpool remain in a strong position. Unlike the Trent situation, Szoboszlai still has over two years left on his deal, and the club is desperate to keep their "Hungarian Maestro."
Former keeper Shay Given has already urged the club to "break the bank" to keep him: "He is the standout player in the league right now. Liverpool cannot afford to lose another leader to Madrid."