Dominik Szoboszlai Breaks Silence on Liverpool Future as Contract Talks Begin

Dominik Szoboszlai has confirmed that contract talks are under way at Liverpool.

It’s a timely boost for Arne Slot as he looks to stabilise a season that has swung between promise and frustration.

The Hungary international has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers and, at 25, is viewed internally as a long-term leader at Anfield.

While no agreement has been reached yet, discussions have begun and the player has made it clear he is settled on Merseyside, even if the future remains open-ended.

Dominik Szoboszlai Liverpool contract talks

Szoboszlai’s current deal runs until 2028, but Liverpool are keen to move early given his importance to the side.

Asked directly about contract talks, the midfielder confirmed there’s been progress but didn’t commit to an outcome.

“Of course, there are talks,” he said. “But there is no decision yet. I’ll just keep going every week, every training, giving my best for the team and the fans. Let’s see what happens in the future.

“Of course I am happy here, but you know how football works.”

That caveat will sound familiar to Liverpool supporters. Contract situations have dominated much of the club’s recent narrative, from Andy Robertson’s uncertain situation, which he discussed in his own words amid talks.

Szoboszlai, signed from RB Leipzig for £60 million in 2023, has grown into a central figure under Slot. His intensity, availability and leadership have stood out in a campaign where Liverpool’s title defence has never quite caught fire.

He’s even cropped up with some vitally important goals, including the sensational winner against Arsenal early in the season.

Liverpool contract talks and long-term planning

Szoboszlai is not the only midfielder Liverpool are hoping to secure.

The club are also keen to progress talks with Ryan Gravenberch, while there has been early contact with Alexis Mac Allister’s representatives about a future agreement, albeit without anything advanced at this stage.

Recent history shows why Liverpool are being cautious. The club got tangled in prolonged negotiations to renew Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah last season, while Trent Alexander-Arnold ultimately chose to leave for Real Madrid.

Ibrahima Konate, meanwhile, is still without a resolution despite talks stretching back more than a year, and he is now approaching the final months of his contract.

That context explains why Szoboszlai’s comments have been received positively inside the club. He is under contract for a couple more seasons, but Liverpool are keen to avoid getting into messy contract situations with key assets.

Szoboszlai responds to criticism after tough week

The timing of Szoboszlai’s remarks came after a difficult few days.

He missed a penalty in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley and was criticised for a costly mistake in the FA Cup win over Barnsley, where an attempted backheel inside his own area led to a goal.

Szoboszlai apologised for the mistake after Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane labelled the incident disrespectful, a suggestion the Hungary captain disagrees with.

“I would do the same against Arsenal, City or Chelsea,” he said. “It wasn’t disrespectful. I wanted to keep going with the ball.

“I missed a penalty as well, but I’ll take the next one and I’m sure I’ll score. You have to forget it, but also learn from it.”

Liverpool Champions League focus ahead of Marseille

Attention now turns to Europe, with Liverpool travelling to Marseille for a pivotal Champions League tie.

Slot’s side sit ninth in the league phase and are pushing to finish in the top eight to avoid an extra knockout round.

“It’s a big chance for us,” Szoboszlai said. “If you finish in the top eight, you miss two games and that’s very important. Marseille are a strong team who want to play, so we have to be ready.”

The game also comes amid ongoing discussion over whether Salah will play vs Marseille following his return from Africa Cup of Nations duty.

His future has again been thrust into the spotlight months after a fallout with Slot.

Szoboszlai, one of Salah’s closest teammates, says they have been in frequent contact while the forward has been away.

“We speak about everything (but) that’s between me and him. He will come back and then we just keep on going,” he said.

“He will be here and it’s the decision of the manager and the club. It is not about us, it is about him.”