Dominik Szoboszlai signs Liverpool deal as Aston Villa go for João Gomes

Dominik Szoboszlai has given Liverpool and their head coach, Andoni Iraola, a significant boost by signing a new contract to 2031. 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 25-year-old has signed the deal.

“It’s maybe my biggest day,” he told Liverpool’s website. “There are a couple in front of it – probably when I signed for Liverpool the first one and when I got my baby, of course, but in my football career, I can say this is in the top three.”

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.

“I think I can do even better,” he said after signing his new deal. “I think that’s why I’m sitting here, because that pushed me since I was a kid – that it was never enough. And I’m thinking the same now. I want to set the example. I want to be an example also for everyone, as much as I can.

“When I signed, I said I want to win everything. That didn’t change for a little moment either. It stayed the same. I want to win everything that is possible in this country, also let’s say the Champions League.”

Aston Villa are closing on €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 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.

Tarik Muharemovic, who played in all three Bosnia and Herzegovina matches in the World Cup, is joining Leeds. Photograph: Jeff Chiu/AP

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 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.