Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who is the overwhelming favorite to be named Liverpool's new vice-captain, is edging closer to signing a new contract with the Reds
16:37, 16 Jul 2026
Virgil van Dijk has made his feelings clear on Dominik Szoboszlai's leadership skills
Virgil van Dijk has made his feelings clear on Dominik Szoboszlai's leadership skills(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool fans are finally set to receive some good news regarding contract renewals.
Dominik Szoboszlai is close to signing a new long-term deal and committing his future to the Reds. At 25, the midfielder is just entering his theoretical peak and coming off an outstanding individual campaign, winning the club's Men's Player of the Season award.
Szoboszlai recently entered the final two years of his current deal, leaving Liverpool fans fearing the worst. Last summer, Trent Alexander-Arnold ran down his contract to force through a move to Real Madrid. And this summer, Ibrahima Konate did the same. Madrid is also believed to be interested in Szoboszlai.
Reds supporters were dreading an unwanted hat-trick of transfers to the Spanish capital, but it seems that Szoboszlai is staying on Merseyside.
If that proves to be the case, it's clear he will eventually become Liverpool's captain. Virgil van Dijk, the team's current skipper, has suggested as much.
Speaking in February, Van Dijk was asked whether Szoboszlai would succeed him as captain. He replied: "That's all on the manager, I think. I don't know. Yeah. Obviously, he has been very good.
Szoboszlai could become Liverpool's new vice-captain shortly
Szoboszlai could become Liverpool's new vice-captain shortly(Image: Getty Images)
"Also, a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team. 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, and that's a good thing in my opinion, so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool."
Van Dijk recently celebrated his 35th birthday and entered the final year of his contract. New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola needs to find the Dutchman's successor, even if he signs a new deal and continues his Anfield career beyond next summer.
That successor is Szoboszlai. He seems poised to take the first step toward the captaincy when Iraola names his new vice skipper. Andy Robertson recently vacated the role on his free transfer to Tottenham, while fellow veteran Mohamed Salah has also departed.
Szoboszlai is the obvious candidate for the vice captaincy, and it would be a huge shock if Iraola looked elsewhere — especially if the Hungarian's new contract is confirmed.
Van Dijk isn't the only man to back Szoboszlai for a leadership role. Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest Champions League betting, former Liverpool star Bolo Zenden said in May: "I can see Dominik Szoboszlai as a future Liverpool captain.
"At the moment, if you look at the dressing room, there are already two or three captains, and I don't know if Szoboszlai is already one of them. But it's most likely that when a change comes, someone will step up and be the next.
"He's a player who dominates in the middle, he's influential, and he always works really hard for the team. He scores his goals and is a very, very important player for the team. You can be a captain if you lead by example. Why not?
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"But there were all the links to Real Madrid, which Liverpool fans, of course, didn’t like, but it doesn't mean that you don't work for your team or that you don't want to win trophies and be the best you can be for the team that you're at."