Dominik Szoboszlai is already being viewed as a potential captain of Liverpool by some inside the club, according to new reports.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s captaincy link: A quick look
• Future leader: Senior reporters including Paul Joyce claim Liverpool view Dominik Szoboszlai as a potential future club captain.
• Contract talks: The 25-year-old confirmed negotiations for a new deal have progressed, though he insists “no decision” has been reached.
• Captaincy experience: Already the Hungary captain, his leadership is seen as a real asset amid a squad of new faces
While Liverpool have gone through tough times this season, Szoboszlai has so often been the man to step up and perform even as those around him are struggling.
It has led to some supporters identifying his leadership characteristics as an asset, and figures at the club are thinking similarly.
Alongside an interview in which Szoboszlai told the media that “no decision” has been made on a new contract, senior reporters said he is being viewed as a potential captain.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 12, 2026: Liverpool's goalscorer Dominik Szoboszlai during the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Barnsley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Well-connected Guardian journalist Andy Hunter said that Liverpool “consider him a potential future captain,” while the *Times*‘ Paul Joyce wrote the 25-year-old is “viewed as a potential future club captain.”
Skippering a side is a role in which Szoboszlai has experience, having already captained Hungary for more than three years.
The way he presses and his energy all over the pitch shows his commitment to the cause, but moments like his backheel error against Barnsley would need to be eliminated if he is to lead by example.
Could captaincy play a part in contract talks?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Thursday, January 8, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot and Dominik Szoboszlai (L) after the FA Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at the Emirates Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
With Virgil van Dijk into the last 18 months of his contract, Szoboszlai could have an eye on the armband in the future, and this could play a part in contract negotiations.
Therefore, it is perhaps no coincidence that this line about Liverpool considering him for the captaincy has emerged at the same time as an update on his contract talks.
The Hungarian’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2028, but negotiations have already started with a view to a new contract.
Szoboszlai commented: “There is always progress but no decision has been made and I’ll just keep on going every week, every training, giving my best for the team, for the fans.
“Let’s see what is going to happen in the future.
“Of course I am happy here, but you know how football works and that is something everybody has to take into account.”
If Szoboszlai continues playing as he has done over the last 12 months, there will surely be clubs chasing his signature in the next few transfer windows.
The captaincy of the Reds could be used as an enticer to keep him on Merseyside. Whether the Liverpool armband should really be used as a bartering chip in transfer talks is another matter.
Have Your Say
Is Dominik Szoboszlai the natural successor to Virgil van Dijk?
Does his experience captaining Hungary at a young age make him the perfect choice, or should Liverpool look toward a local player like Curtis Jones?
Let us know your thoughts on the next Liverpool captain in the comments below.