Why Dominik Szoboszlai is Liverpool's priority after Ryan Gravenberch contract

Ryan Gravenberch has signed a new Liverpool contract until 2032, with Dominik Szoboszlai now expected to be next in line for fresh terms at Anfield — but will the Hungarian agree to stay?

Dominik Szoboszlai is having an excellent season at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has already taken one crucial step ahead of next season by securing Ryan Gravenberch to a new contract.

It was announced on Saturday that the 23-year-old midfielder has signed fresh terms with Liverpool running until the summer of 2032, in recognition of his outstanding performances at Anfield over the past two-and-a-half seasons.

"I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager," Gravenberch told Liverpool's official website. "The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We are now here almost three years, so I know everything already. I'm happy that I'm here. For the short term, [my aim is to] end the season as good as possible.

"And for the long term: win many more trophies with Liverpool. I have a really nice relationship with [the fans]. Always when I do something good in the stadium I hear them singing my chant. I'm really grateful for the supporters because without them we would not be where we are now. In the future, we want to give them many more [trophies], so hopefully we can get that done."

Gravenberch has been instrumental in Liverpool's midfield over the past 18 months, claiming the Premier League's Young Player of the Year accolade last season while helping the Reds secure the title.

Another player who has been equally crucial to Liverpool during his tenure at the club could be next in line for a contract renewal. The future of Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool has been a topic of discussion over recent months, with particular focus on whether a new contract will be negotiated.

Ryan Gravenberch has signed a new contract(Image: Getty Images)

Despite the Hungary international's current contract set to run until summer 2028, rumors persist that an extension may be in the works — especially given the reported interest from other clubs following his stellar performances.

Given that Szoboszlai has arguably been Liverpool's top and most consistent performer this season, he is likely to be the frontrunner for the player of the year award at Anfield this term.

Arne Slot has utilized Szoboszlai in various positions this season, including midfield, as a No. 10, in the forward line and at right-back. This versatility has been key to Liverpool's ongoing pursuit of two trophies and Champions League qualification.

Perhaps it's this reason, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding his contract, that has led to tentative links with Real Madrid for Szoboszlai. However, Szoboszlai's agent, Matyas Esterhazy, was quick to quash these rumours.

"It's completely normal for the public, when Dominik is performing like this, to talk about what's next and if there's something higher," Esterhazy told Hungarian news outlet NB1 last month.

"For us, it's not a topic. We are mid-season; he has a lot of work ahead of him in the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League. He has said many times how important this competition is for him.

"So, at the moment, to talk about what will happen in the summer, in my opinion, is not correct. Not to mention, Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and Dominik is in a position within the team that has a lot of reserve, so we are not looking outside or elsewhere."

Szoboszlai certainly merits recognition for his contributions and influence at Liverpool this season. Only time will reveal whether an extension will be granted this season, or if the Reds will hold off until later in the year to negotiate new terms for the 25-year-old.