Szoboszlai Sticks with Liverpool: Romano’s Green Light as Iraola Sets the Agenda
Dominik Szoboszlai is set to stay at Anfield until 2031 on a fresh five-year contract, with Fabrizio Romano giving the move his unmistakable green light and indicating the Hungarian will rank among Liverpool’s top earners. For a club desperate to rebound after a flat 2025–26, this is precisely the statement they needed.
Romano’s reveal and the numbers behind it
While the club haven’t stamped it official yet, Romano says the agreement is done and dusted, with an announcement imminent. Crucially, the new deal reflects Szoboszlai’s status — a hefty salary that places him near the peak of Liverpool’s pay scale. It’s the kind of decision elite clubs make to lock down a cornerstone before the vultures start circling.
Why he’s earned it: a season of authority
In a campaign when plenty at Anfield misfired, the 25-year-old was a beacon: 13 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, including eye-catching strikes against Manchester United, Manchester City, Inter Milan and Marseille. Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot even billed him the finest presser around — and you can see why. He covers grass like few in Europe, but it’s the execution in the final third that’s made him indispensable.
Real Madrid interest cooled — for now
Make no mistake, had Liverpool dithered, Europe’s elite would’ve queued up. Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on the situation, with a view to strengthening their midfield. This agreement slams that door shut and sends a message: Liverpool intend to build around Szoboszlai, not auction him off.
Iraola’s to-do list: Mac Allister and the midfield balance
New manager Andoni Iraola will be delighted — one pillar secured. Next up: clarity over Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine is into the final two years of his deal and, as it stands, there’s no active extension on the table. Interest from Madrid has been whispered about, and you can see the logic — he’s a technician with pedigree. Liverpool must decide quickly whether to extend, sell, or risk a slow-burn contract saga that drags into next summer.
From Leipzig bargain to Anfield linchpin
Signed from RB Leipzig for £60 million back in 2023, Szoboszlai has justified the outlay and then some. He’s a modern midfielder — press, pass, punch — and the kind of personality that thrives under the Anfield glare. Tie him down long term and you don’t just keep a player; you keep an identity.
What it means for the summer — and Salah succession plans
Liverpool’s summer strategy sharpens from here. With Szoboszlai locked in, resources can be shifted towards wide options as the club weigh up long-term plans to replace Mo Salah. Expect Iraola to prioritise a runner off the right and another midfielder to complement the Hungarian’s all-action game. For those eyeing how the market reacts, our betting sites uk hub has the latest swings and prices as news filters through.
The pundit’s verdict
This is sensible, ambitious and overdue. You protect your best performers first, then you build. If Liverpool can tidy up Mac Allister’s situation and nail one elite wide forward, they’ll look a very different animal when the Premier League and Champions League kick off. For now, the Kop can breathe — Szoboszlai is staying, and Anfield’s rebuild has a proper heartbeat.
