Andoni Iraola gets boost as Szoboszlai agrees new deal
Dominik Szoboszlai has agreed in principle to a new long-term Liverpool contract, handing Andoni Iraola a major early boost. After months of negotiations with sporting director Richard Hughes, terms are settled and the Hungary captain is close to putting pen to paper on the extension. The 25-year-old still had two years left on his existing deal, but his repeated comments about stalled talks had raised doubts about his long-term future at Anfield.
Key Takeaways
- Szoboszlai has agreed terms in principle on a new long-term Liverpool contract and is close to signing.
- The breakthrough is a significant early win for new head coach Andoni Iraola.
- The Hungary captain scored 13 goals last season and is tipped as a future Liverpool captain.
- Aston Villa are closing on a €45m (£38m) move for Wolves midfielder João Gomes, who is due a medical.
- Liverpool have already added Victor Munoz, with Jeremy Jacquet also set to arrive.
Why does Andoni Iraola need Dominik Szoboszlai to stay?
Andoni Iraola inherited a squad still recovering from a difficult final season under Arne Slot, when Szoboszlai was widely viewed as Liverpool’s standout performer. Keeping the midfielder locks in a high-output, high-energy leader as Iraola begins his rebuild.
According to The Guardian, the £60m signing from RB Leipzig in 2023 scored 13 goals last season and has been tipped as a future captain. The Independent adds that he also recorded 12 assists and even filled in at right-back.
What contract risk was Liverpool trying to avoid?
Szoboszlai had entered the final two years of his current deal. Without an extension, Liverpool risked losing him on a free transfer later or being forced into a cut-price sale sooner.
That backdrop mattered after recent contract setbacks: Ibrahima Konate left for Real Madrid on a free this summer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold rejected an extension to move to Spain. Securing Szoboszlai helps Andoni Iraola avoid another leadership vacuum in midfield.
Where does João Gomes fit into the transfer picture?
While Liverpool move to keep Szoboszlai, Aston Villa are closing on a €45m (£38m) deal for João Gomes. The Wolves midfielder flew back from the club’s Algarve camp on Thursday to undergo a medical.
Villa have long admired the Brazil international, who was also wanted by Atlético Madrid. Gomes is lined up as a direct replacement for Youri Tielemans, who joined Manchester United after a £35m release clause was triggered.
Who else is Andoni Iraola already bringing in?
Retention is only part of Iraola’s plan. Winger Victor Munoz has become his first signing, while defender Jeremy Jacquet—whose Rennes move was arranged in January—will arrive. Iraola has also said he wants to keep Curtis Jones, who is in the last year of his deal, and will give Harvey Elliott a chance after a loan at Aston Villa.
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