Szoboszlai Demands Astronomical Wages as Real Madrid Circle Liverpool Midfielder

Dominik Szoboszlai has reportedly set his sights on a substantial pay rise to remain at Liverpool, with the Hungarian midfielder's representatives in talks over fresh terms as Real Madrid keep a watchful eye on proceedings.

The 25-year-old has emerged as Arne Slot's side's brightest spark this season, accumulating eight goals and seven assists across all competitions whilst the Reds have stumbled to a position 14 points adrift of Arsenal—a far cry from last term's title triumph. His performances have evidently sharpened his appetite for the wages to match his contribution.

Currently pocketing £120,000 weekly, Szoboszlai finds himself 12th in Liverpool's wage hierarchy, trailing the likes of Cody Gakpo (£250k) and Federico Chiesa (£150k). The midfielder believes his status warrants a commanding jump to £300,000 per week, which would elevate him to the club's third-best earner behind Mohamed Salah (£400k) and Virgil van Dijk (£350k).

The negotiations present a fork in the road for the Spanish giants. Madrid are understood to be weighing whether to lodge a substantial bid this summer or play the longer game—allowing his contract, which runs until summer 2028, to wind down to its final year in 2027 before pouncing with a cut-price offer.

When pressed on the matter following Liverpool's 4-1 demolition of Newcastle, Szoboszlai remained characteristically cagey. "Nothing yet, to be honest," he said. "From now on it is not in my hands. It works this way. There is no progression but if the right offer comes then let's see."

He added: "I am doing my job on the pitch, we will see in the future. It is always there and back and there. Let's see what happens hopefully everyone will be happy at the end."

On his future at Anfield specifically, Szoboszlai struck a more affectionate note. "Do I like it here? Of course, of course. I like the city, I like the club, I like playing with these guys, I love Anfield, I love the fans, let's see what the future holds. It is not on me. I would love to [stay]. We will see."

Trouble doesn't stop at Szoboszlai's negotiations, however. Liverpool face a separate headache in retaining 15-year-old academy starlet Josh Abe, who has caught the eye of several continental powerhouses.

The youngster recently became the youngest Liverpool player to appear in the UEFA Youth League when introduced off the bench. His emergence has attracted the attention of numerous clubs, though he has recently signed with PLG Agency—the same representatives who handle Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, alongside fellow academy prospects Luke Chambers and Calvin Ramsay.

Abe's decision to opt for PLG Agency came after he rejected advances from other prominent agents. Most intriguingly, he has been spotted at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu, suggesting the La Liga club are serious contenders in their pursuit of the teenage prospect.