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
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
