Szoboszlai agrees new Liverpool contract to hand Iraola first major boost

Dominik Szoboszlai is on the verge of signing a new contract at Liverpool, with The Guardian reporting that terms have been provisionally agreed between the Hungary captain and the club.

The news arrives at a timely moment for Andoni Iraola, who was appointed as Arne Slot’s successor last month and is now preparing for his first campaign in charge. Szoboszlai had been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers during a difficult 2025-26 season — one that ended with Slot losing his job after a fifth-place Premier League finish — and even deputised at right-back on occasions when the squad was stretched.

With two years still remaining on his existing deal, Szoboszlai’s situation had attracted growing speculation over the summer, fuelled in part by the player himself acknowledging in April that contract talks had stalled. The provisional agreement now appears to have put those concerns to rest.

Beyond the dugout, the development will be welcomed by club legend Steven Gerrard, who has been vocal in his admiration for the 24-year-old. Speaking in March, Gerrard drew a direct line between Szoboszlai’s mentality and the qualities he believes could one day make him Liverpool captain.

“I like his mentality,” Gerrard said. “He’s evolved, and he’s grown a lot since he’s become a Liverpool player. We obviously signed a big talent. He’s in the prime years of his career. I think Liverpool are going to see the best of him.”

“I hope he stays around for a long time because I think there’s a potential captain in there. The way he’s playing and his consistency and his mentality, you can hear it in his voice. He’s got everything going for him. He’s just got to maintain it and stay healthy.”

Szoboszlai’s all-action style and eye for a spectacular goal have already drawn comparisons to some of Liverpool’s most celebrated midfielders, and his retention will be seen as a statement of intent as Iraola begins to shape his squad for the season ahead.