Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has cheekily added fuel to the fire regarding Dominik Szoboszlai’s future. In a recent sit-down with Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos, the Brazilian superstar revealed he is in constant contact with the Liverpool No. 8, just as rumors of a move to the Bernabéu begin to swirl.
When asked about his closest friends in football outside of the Madrid locker room, Szoboszlai was the first name on Vini’s lips. “I talk a lot with Szoboszlai,” the No. 7 revealed. “We met when we were younger.” He even joked that the Hungarian is among several players “begging” to wear Vini’s personal line of Nike boots.
The “Dream” Move: Why Now?
While the comments were lighthearted, the timing is anything but accidental. The “Agent Vinicius” narrative is gaining steam due to a few key factors:
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The Coach’s Reveal: Hungary manager Marco Rossi recently claimed that playing for Real Madrid has been Szoboszlai’s “one dream” since childhood.
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The Contract Stanchion: While Szoboszlai is under contract at Anfield until 2028, reports suggest that talks over a bumper renewal have not progressed as quickly as Liverpool fans would hope.
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The Vini Precedent: Vinicius admitted in the same interview that he personally lobbied both Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé before they signed for Los Blancos.
How Szoboszlai Fits the “Kroos Void”
Real Madrid has struggled for composure in the middle of the park since the retirement of Toni Kroos. While Federico Valverde provides immense work rate, he has admitted the pressure of captaincy and a “testing” individual campaign has taken its toll.
Szoboszlai—who has notched 10 goals and 7 assists for Liverpool already this season—offers a unique blend of:
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Elite Ball Striking: Arguably the best shooter from distance in the Premier League.
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Immense Physicality: Able to match Valverde’s “pitch-shrinking” sprints.
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Versatility: This season, he has filled in at attacking midfield, central midfield, and even as a makeshift right-back for Arne Slot.
The Transfer Reality
Despite the “dream” talk, a deal remains complicated. Transfermarkt currently values the 25-year-old at €85 million, though Liverpool insiders suggest a fee north of €110 million would be required to even start a conversation.