Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Manchester City battle for €85 million-rated Liverpool midfield star – report
Having faced each other quite regularly on the field in recent times, Real Madrid and Liverpool have gotten a strong knowledge of each other’s squads and their strengths and weakness.
It has led to the two clubs showing interest in signing players from each other – Los Blancos landed Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer and remain keen on Ibrahima Konate, whereas the Reds held an interest in Rodrygo.
Now, it appears that another star from Liverpool has managed to catch the attention of Real Madrid.
Dominik Szoboszlai on Real Madrid’s radar
Indeed, according to AS (h/t Sky Sports), Real Madrid have set their sights on versatile Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
However, they are not alone in the race as Premier League giants Manchester City are also interested in the Hungarian international.
The 25-year-old star has been with Liverpool since 2023 and has grown into an important player for the reigning English champions, with a contract that runs until 2028.
So far this season, Szoboszlai has played 16 times in all competitions, posting a return of two goals and five assists.
While he has primarily played in the middle of the park, the former RB Leipzig star has also filled in on the wings and even as right-back, showing his versatility.
It has led to him attracting the interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City, with both European heavyweights keeping a close eye on his situation at Anfield.
However, Liverpool are intent on tying Szoboszlai down to a new long-term deal, potentially running until 2030, which would include a significant wage increase to reflect his performances.
It remains to be seen whether the interest from Real Madrid leads to anything substantial, although, it is unlikely that Liverpool will let go of Szoboszlai easily.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
