Liverpool’s hierarchy has been served a stark reminder of the mounting pressure at Anfield as Dominik Szoboszlai becomes the latest cornerstone of the squad to enter a period of contract uncertainty.
While the Hungarian captain remains a vital engine in Arne Slot’s midfield, reports suggest that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) must act decisively to avoid a repeat of the high-profile exits that have recently hampered the club’s long-term planning.
Despite ongoing discussions, Szoboszlai has yet to put pen to paper, fueling speculation of interest from elite European rivals like Real Madrid.
The situation is made even more precarious by the looming reality of three other key first-team stars who are rapidly approaching the final stages of their current deals without significant breakthroughs in negotiations.
With Mohamed Salah’s confirmed departure at the end of the 2025/26 season already creating a massive void, the club faces a race against time to secure its future core or risk a costly talent drain
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk saw their contract negotiations go down to the wire last season. The fans were unhappy with how the club handled the legendary duo, and the club have done well this season by already renewing Ryan Gravenberch’s contract.
However, the Egyptian is now set to leave at the end of the season, which puts pressure on FSG to ensure the core of the squad remains at the club for the foreseeable future.
They are going to find it hard to replace the 33-year-old, so the exit of any other key player would make it harder for Arne Slot and the players next season.
The Reds’ management now needs to work on three more contracts before the season ends to avoid losing key players in the summer.
1 – Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai’s £70 million move from RB Leipzig to Liverpool raised a few eyebrows, but the Hungarian has delivered at the club. His deal also expires in 2028, and the Reds’ management need to ensure that he does not go to the FIFA World Cup without a new contract signed.
With just two years remaining on his contract, Liverpool risk losing their leverage; the longer the silence continues, the more the power shifts toward the player and his potential suitors.
The 25-year-old has proved to be a valuable asset under Arne Slot, and delaying his contract talks could see his head turn. Real Madrid are linked with the midfielder as well, and they could make a move this summer.
2 – Alexis Mac Allister
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Alexis Mac Allister, and the Argentine’s father has also hinted at a possible move to the Santiago Bernabeu. The former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has confirmed that no talks have taken place over a new deal, and Liverpool need to address it soon.
The midfielder has already confirmed that he plans to move back to Argentina later in his career. He told La Agusneta in February that he had started to think more as a family man than a footballer when it comes to his career and said:
“I’d love to go back to Argentina. But, well, I became a father, and you start prioritising a lot of things. Maybe it’s not so selfish to focus solely on what I want. But yes, I’d love to return to Argentinos Juniors because my dad and my brothers all grew up there, and we’re grateful. And then, obviously, to Boca at some point.”
The 27-year-old will be entering his final two years of contract this summer, and the FIFA World Cup could play a key role in his decision. The Reds need to ensure that he renews his contract at the club before the summer, as he has become a key player under Arne Slot.
3 – Ibrahima Konate
The main contract that needs to be renewed this season is Ibrahima Konate. The defender is in the final months of his contract at Anfield, and the negotiations have dragged on for too long.
The Reds have signed Giovanni Leoni and Jérémy Jacquet, but the two young defenders will be coming into the 2026/27 season after injuries, and it would be a major issue if they fail to settle in the league. Failure to renew the Frenchman’s contract at the club would see Van Dijk and Joe Gomez as the senior options for the backline next season.
The Englishman has now proved to be a reliable asset because of his injury issues, and thus, keeping Konate would be essential for the club.
The 2026 World Cup represents a massive risk a string of world-class performances on that stage will only inflate wage demands and embolden rival bidders.
If Liverpool want to avoid a painful, expensive rebuild in 2027, the groundwork must be laid now. The “warning” has been issued it is up to Richard Hughes and FSG to ensure it doesn’t become a reality.
