Dominik Szoboszlai‘s agent Matyas Esterhazy insists Liverpool’s decision to sack Arne Slot had no impact on the midfielder agreeing to sign a new contract.
Szoboszlai and his representative began talks over a new deal with Liverpool during Slot’s reign, but there was no breakthrough until the Dutchman was let go.
That led to speculation that it was change in the dugout which prompted negotiations to accelerate, but speaking to winwin‘s Ismael Mahmoud, Esterhazy insisted the midfielder had a “great relationship” with Slot.
“Not really,” Szoboszlai’s agent said when asked if the sacking affected his decision to stay.
“Dominik had a great relationship with Arne and he’ll have a great relationship with Iraola too.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 17: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool signs a contract extension at AXA Training Centre on July 17, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“Dominik is focused on his job and he gives 200 percent for the team and for the coach. At this professional level, it’s that simple.”
Esterhazy continued: “Don’t forget that Dom had two years left on his contract, so even without an extension, he would still have been a Liverpool player.
“So this [situation around the head coach] doesn’t change much.
“But of course, the new manager’s personality, his style of football and his ideas about the game have helped a lot.
“And I think we can all be very, very pleased with what has happened in the last few days.”
Szoboszlai’s agent went into further detail on the “long and complicated” process of agreeing new terms with Liverpool, which has seen his client become one of the club’s top earners.
“We started in October,” he revealed.
“The negotiations were quite long and complicated, but in the last six weeks we have had positive talks.
“It was clear that everyone wanted to reach the same goal. After that, we found solutions that made things easier.
“The main factor was always that the player wanted to stay and the club wanted to keep him, but…you know, in this business, you have to find common ground on all aspects of the game, not just professionally but financially as well.
“And we found a way we hadn’t found before.”
Did Liverpool promise Szoboszlai vice-captaincy during contract talks?
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 17: (THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Dominic Szoboszlai of Liverpool signs new contract at Anfield on July 17, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
With the Hungary captain now expected to be in contention for the Liverpool vice-captaincy following Andy Robertson‘s exit to Tottenham, Esterhazy maintained that Szoboszlai needed no assurances during talks over his extension.
“These are reports made by people who know nothing about football and nothing about the atmosphere in the dressing room,” he said.
“A great leader doesn’t ask for leadership, that’s for sure. Leadership comes to you when you are a leader.
“Dominik has a fantastic personality, and we’re not discussing leadership in that regard. It doesn’t matter, because it comes naturally.”