Liverpool’s 2023 rebuild couldn’t have gone better than planned, with all four signings playing a crucial role in the Reds’ success, but none more so than Hungarian international Dominik Szoboszlai.
The club have been in talks with the 25-year-old’s camp about a new contract since impressing under Jurgen Klopp, though there have been concerns at Anfield that he could leave on a free when his contract expires in 2028.
In an interview with local legend Jamie Carragher, which was reported by the Liverpool Echo, fears may be put to bed as he said, “I love being here. My family is happy, I love the club, I love the fans, I love to play for this club.”
Szoboszlai’s journey to Premier League champion
The Hungarian captain began his career at multiple different clubs in his home country before moving to Red Bull Salzburg in 2017.
He quickly became a key figure in a talented squad that possessed the likes of Erling Haaland.
He moved to fellow Red Bull club, RB Leipzig, in January 2021, and only two years later, Klopp’s Reds came knocking.
The midfielder reminisced about the moment the German manager contacted him, and how he was left in a panic while on holiday.
“I remember being on holiday with my friends, and then my agent called me to be available in maybe two or three hours because Jurgen is going to call you.”
He continued.
“I then forgot, and I was in the sea, so my friends are running out saying: ‘Your phone is ringing and Jurgen is calling you!’ So I was running back to the place.”
Szoboszlai inherited the number of departing Naby Keita, but the number eight was made famous by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, with whom he shared comparisons with.
The Hungarian said, ‘It is a big compliment’ being likened to Gerrard.
He quickly became a central figure under Klopp alongside summer signings such as Alexis Mac-Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.
They played a big part in the Reds’ success at Wembley in 2024 as they lifted the Carabao Cup, and a year later as they lifted the Premier League at Anfield.
A tricky campaign at Anfield
When Florian Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for £116 million, which at the time was Liverpool’s record transfer, many expected the Hungarian to be the man out of the team.
However, he has remained a standout performer in what has been a difficult season at Anfield.
“I try to do my best on and off the pitch, try to keep everyone (together), try to be a leader (with) what I am doing on the pitch, and that is the most important thing for me. Hopefully, we can change this season in a good way.”
One way they could do that is by reaching the Champions League final, which takes place in the Hungarian capital, which Szoboszlai admits would be a fairytale.
“I don’t like to talk about it, but it is impossible not to think about it.”
The 25-year-old added.
“Especially in Hungary, in my country, everyone knows what it means to be Hungarian, and my biggest dream was to win the Champions League in my whole career. So, if I could win it there, I would sign it now.”
Before Arne Slot’s side take on PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals, they take on Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, which is their only other hope for silverware.
A Future Liverpool captain in the making
He has received plenty of comparisons to Gerrard since his arrival, and for good reasons too, which could eventually lead to him donning the captain’s armband.
In an extremely poor season for the Merseyside outfit, many supporters look to the Hungarian for any hope in a game.
He has scored plenty of crucial goals this season, including a long-range free kick against Arsenal as they won 1-0.
Szoboszlai is currently the captain of his national team, which adds another string to his already impressive bow.
Questions have remained over his future in England, with Real Madrid reportedly catching his attention.
If he is committed to Anfield, there is every reason to believe he could one day take the armband from Virgil Van Dijk and lead the Reds towards their newest adventure.
