Liverpool midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have both been linked with moves elsewhere this week, offering an important reminder amid contract talks
04:00, 19 Feb 2026
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
When Liverpool revamped its midfield in 2023, it did so under the guidance of Jorg Schmadtke. A temporary sporting director who was familiar to Jurgen Klopp, it wasn't the typical set-up for a transfer window.
But three years on, it would be safe to say that Liverpool made some good decisions at that point. The likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho moved on, with Dominik Szoboszlai — this season's top performer — plus Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister coming in. Under Arne Slot, the trio won the Premier League.
This week, though, there has been speculation about the futures of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister. Like Gravenberch, they will have two years left on their deals come the summer — the point at which negotiations tend to accelerate.
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Indeed, Szoboszlai has already spoken openly about discussions between his representatives and Liverpool. Tying all three players down again should be a big priority.
Szoboszlai was linked with Real Madrid off the back of some comments his national boss Marco Rossi made suggesting that was once his dream club. His agent has since played those down.
"Obviously he has been very good," Virgil van Dijk told reporters. "He is also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool during a training session
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are out of contract in 2028(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
"It starts by leading by example and that's something he has done so far this season. But also everything around it, there is still progress to be made.
"That's a good thing in my opinion, so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool."
Likewise, Mac Allister was name-checked this week as an option for Manchester United. The chances of that move happening seem very slim for a variety of reasons, and his father has confirmed that the Argentine is happy where he is.
But alongside Gravenberch, who was sensational last season and has been generally good in this one, they should be the future of the Liverpool midfield. Curtis Jones, whose contract only runs until 2027, is another one who talks need to progress with.
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So for all that more transfers are required this summer — even in midfield, where Liverpool could arguably do with an upgrade on Wataru Endo — those key men in the center are likely to shape the narrative too.
If Liverpool could tie down the four quality midfield options that it already has, it would go a long way towards safeguarding what the next few years look like, regardless of changes in other parts of the field.
In any case, anything other than good news on that front would mean a vast amount more being spent to find replacements.
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What Liverpool must avoid at all costs is a repeat of the summer when most of its current midfield arrived, where it left things too late and gave itself a huge amount of work to do all at once.
Before it adds any more players to its roster, putting an end to speculation about some vital existing parts is even more important.