Liverpool are taking proactive steps to secure their long-term future by preparing to open formal contract negotiations with midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. According to prominent reports, manager Arne Slot is keen to tie down the Hungarian international, alongside his teammate Ryan Gravenberch, signaling the club’s intent to build its future around a core of key talents. This strategy comes as the Reds seek stability and consistency after a period of transition.
The club’s decision is a direct reward for Szoboszlai’s consistently high performance levels, which have made him a benchmark for quality and determination within the squad. While summer signing Florian Wirtz has struggled to find his footing, Szoboszlai has been an ever-present fixture, starting every single Premier League and Champions League match this season. His importance to Slot’s evolving tactical system is undeniable, cementing his status as a vital cog in the Liverpool midfield. Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the developments, stating that talks have begun and that the “club [is] super happy + top performances.”
Building for the future: a new midfield foundation
The planned new deals for Szoboszlai and Gravenberch are expected to extend their current contracts, which run until 2028, by several additional years and include a significant pay rise. Currently, the two players earn a combined £270,000 per week. Gravenberch’s own development has been particularly noteworthy; after a slow start following his £40 million move from Bayern Munich, the 22-year-old Dutchman has quietly become one of the team’s most reliable and improved performers under Slot, contributing three goals and two assists in 11 appearances.
This focus on securing the midfield is part of a wider strategic overhaul at Anfield. The club is determined to avoid a repeat of the situation that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold depart for Real Madrid for a cut-price fee. The current preferred midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister has provided a dynamic and energetic foundation, and the club hopes to fend off potential suitors—Mac Allister has already been linked with a move to Madrid—by securing their commitments early.
High praise and high stakes
Szoboszlai’s value to the team was never more apparent than in Liverpool’s recent 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid. He delivered a brilliant, energetic performance, operating as the engine of Slot’s side against one of Europe’s toughest opponents. His teammate Virgil van Dijk was effusive in his praise, highlighting the midfielder’s growing influence. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” Van Dijk told reporters. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible and the quality that he has is outstanding… he is developing into the player we all feel like he could be.”
Beyond the midfield, Liverpool have other pressing contract matters to resolve, with Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson both entering the final year of their deals. After a turbulent start, Slot’s team has begun to find its rhythm, sitting third in the Premier League with 18 points. Though they are seven points behind leaders Arsenal, they remain within striking distance. The upcoming monumental clash with Manchester City at the Etihad will be a major test, a match in which Szoboszlai’s tireless presence and creative force will once again be absolutely key to Liverpool’s hopes.
