Dominik Szoboszlai is poised to give Liverpool and their head coach, Andoni Iraola, a significant boost by signing a new long-term contract. The midfielder, who was the team’s best performer during a difficult final season under Arne Slot, has two years on his deal and mentioned several times last season that there had been no real progress over an extension.
After months of negotiations between Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, and Szoboszlai’s representatives, the terms of a new contract have been agreed in principle and the 25-year-old is close to signing the deal.
Szoboszlai's impact at Liverpool
The Hungary captain has developed into a key figure for Liverpool since his £60m move from Leipzig in 2023 and scored 13 goals last season. He has been tipped as a future captain, although the comments about the contract had raised concerns over his long-term future.
Aston Villa's busy transfer window
Aston Villa are closing on a €45m (£38m) deal for João Gomes, with the Wolves midfielder flying back from the relegated club’s camp in the Algarve on Thursday to undergo a medical. Villa are longtime admirers of the Brazil midfielder, who was also wanted by Atlético Madrid.
João Gomes has been earmarked as a direct replacement for Youri Tielemans, who joined Manchester United after they triggered a £35m release clause. Villa are also close to finalising a £52m club-record deal for Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi, the versatile Switzerland midfielder who was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup.
Villa are also working to sign Pervis Estupinan from Milan, reuniting the Ecuador left-back with manager Unai Emery who worked with Estupinan at Villarreal. Lucas Digne is poised to join Paris Saint-Germain in a £10m deal.
Leeds United bolster defence
Leeds are close to reinforcing their defence after agreeing a £34m deal with Sassuolo for the Bosnia and Herzegovina centre-half Tarik Muharemovic. The transfer is being finalised, with no hitches envisaged.
The 23-year-old made three appearances at the World Cup and will take the place of Pascal Struijk, who has joined Brighton. Muharemovic was a regular starter for Sassuolo in Serie A last season and, like Struijk, is left-footed.
Leeds are also seeking to restock their goalkeeping department after the departures of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier for Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.
Coventry City sign Aurele Amenda
Coventry City have made the Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda their third signing since promotion. The 22-year-old Switzerland centre-back said Frank Lampard was a major factor in his move. “After the first call with the gaffer, I felt the trust and I liked the project, so I feel this is a really good step for me,” said Amenda, who follows the arrivals of Loum Tchaouna and Frank Onyeka, the latter signing permanent after a successful loan from Brentford.
