After months of umming and ahing, Dominik Szoboszlai looks all set to sign a contract extension with Liverpool.
The Hungarian has entered the final two years of his contract, with supporters beginning to worry that he may have his eye on a free-transfer move to Real Madrid.
But news has emerged from Hungary that Szoboszlai will sign on for four more years with Liverpool, easing worries from fans and confirming that he sees his future on Merseyside.
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While that is a fantastic update amid a slow summer for the Reds, it should be only the first step in securing their midfield for years to come.
Liverpool still need a new midfielder
Even if Szoboszlai were planning to leave Liverpool, that was always unlikely to happen during the current transfer window.
As a result, his extension should not change what the Reds are doing in regards to their midfield.
The long-term picture may alter slightly, but as for the here and now, Liverpool still need a player who can really challenge Alexis Mac Allister.
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Mac Allister has been excellent at the World Cup, but he does not deserve to be a guaranteed starter under Andoni Iraola after some dreadful form last season.
Inter Milan are trying to sign Curtis Jones again, and, assuming the Scouser leaves, he needs to be replaced by someone who can push Mac Allister harder than he ever did.
With Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch on long-term contracts, there is still potentially a third spot open for Liverpool to fill.
However, Iraola has tended to prefer a two-man midfield with a more advanced player in front, and in Szoboszlai and Gravenberch, the Spaniard has a world-class duo, with Florian Wirtz acting as the third man. That may be the vision here, and in that case, perhaps Mac Allister, along with a supporting cast of Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Nyoni could be enough. In our opinion, though, something more is needed.
Liverpool’s midfield could be set after this summer
Though he has not always endeared himself to fans with some of his off-the-pitch behaviour, there is no doubting the quality that Szoboszlai possesses.
Now with his future settled and clear, the 25-year-old can go about ensuring that the Liverpool midfield -and even the whole team – is built around him.
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Gravenberch will feel he could potentially do the same, and if they can get the balance right under Iraola, Liverpool could be set for years to come.
If a new midfielder is signed this summer, it should be a player of a similar age profile who can grow alongside them, if not, Mac Allister can do a job before handing the keys on in a year’s time.
Just like in 2023 when Liverpool sorted their midfield out for the next three years at least, this summer could then become another yardstick, when the Reds set out their plans loud and clear: Gravenberch stays, Szoboszlai stays, Mac Allister stays – for now – a new signing arrives, and Jones leaves.
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