Dominik Szoboszlai has given Liverpool and head coach Andoni Iraola a significant boost by signing a new contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2031. The 25-year-old Hungary captain, who was Liverpool’s stand-out performer during a difficult final season under Arne Slot, described the moment as “maybe my biggest day” in a football career that has already included a £60m move from RB Leipzig in 2023.
“There are a couple in front of it – probably when I signed for Liverpool the first one and when I got my baby, of course,” Szoboszlai told Liverpool’s website. “But in my football career, I can say this is in the top three.”
“Dominik Szoboszlai signs new Liverpool contract to 2031 as Aston Villa target João Gomes to replace Youri Tielemans.”
The deal ends months of negotiations between Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and Szoboszlai’s representatives after the midfielder had admitted last season that there had been no real progress over an extension. Now his future is settled, Szoboszlai – who captains Hungary – becomes a strong contender to take up the vice-captaincy after Andy Robertson’s departure this summer.
Szoboszlai scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists in a stellar individual campaign that earned him the club’s player of the season award. He is determined to improve further. “I think I can do even better,” he said. “That pushed me since I was a kid – that it was never enough. I want to set the example. I want to be an example also for everyone.”
His ambition is unequivocal. “When I signed, I said I want to win everything,” he added. “That didn’t change for a little moment either. It stayed the same. I want to win everything that is possible in this country, also let’s say the Champions League.” In February, former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah described Szoboszlai as “one of the best players in the world”.
While Liverpool secured their key man, Aston Villa moved to fill the gap left by Youri Tielemans, who joined Manchester United after they triggered a £35m release clause. Villa are closing on a €45m (£38m) deal for Wolves midfielder João Gomes, who is flying back from Wolves’ camp in the Algarve for a medical. Gomes has been earmarked as a direct replacement for Tielemans. Villa are also close to finalising a £52m club-record deal for Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi.
Tielemans, who helped Belgium reach the World Cup quarter-finals, signed a five-year deal with United and said: “It’s hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United. Signing for such a special club feels incredible.” United’s director of football Jason Wilcox praised Tielemans as “consistently one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League”.
With Liverpool’s dressing room losing Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate this summer – and the contracts of Alisson and Virgil van Dijk expiring in 12 months – Szoboszlai’s long-term commitment is a massive boost for a club seeking stability under new management.
