Szoboszlai Emerges as Liverpool’s Likely Next Captain, Marking a Leadership Shift
17 December 2025
Leadership shift at Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian star, is emerging as the leading candidate to succeed Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool's captain in the coming years, according to a British newspaper report.
The Athletic has highlighted Szoboszlai's clear leadership presence, his ability to handle pressure, and his strong relationships with teammates, notably Mohamed Salah, labeling him the expected Liverpool captain.
Van Dijk, who took the armband in 2023, is approaching the end of his contract in the summer of 2027, while his deputy Andy Robertson faces a similar timeline as his deal ends at the end of the current season.
Salah and Alisson Becker remain veteran leaders within the squad, but both are in the later stages of their Liverpool careers. Szoboszlai, aged 25, already leads Hungary and has been among Liverpool's top performers this season in terms of influence and performance on the pitch.
Furthermore, the report notes that Liverpool's management has opened advanced talks with Szoboszlai about a contract extension and a salary increase reflecting his rising form and bigger role at Anfield, with clear signs he will stay long term.
Contract talks and building a legacy
In addition, Liverpool's management has entered negotiations aimed at extending Szoboszlai's stint at Anfield and adjusting his weekly wage, currently around £120,000, to reflect his growing influence.
These talks come as the club looks to cement a leadership transition that could shape the next era at Liverpool, while ensuring the Hungary captain remains key to its plans for the coming years.
If Szoboszlai becomes captain, it would mark a deliberate shift toward a new generation taking the armband as the club eyes sustained success in the Premier League and beyond.
Punchlines: If leadership comes with a pay rise, Szoboszlai just filed the inflation report—Liverpool's next captain is worth every penny.
Finally, a boss who signs pep talks and pay checks—talk about synergy.
