Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has admitted that negotiations over a new contract have stalled, despite reiterating his long-term desire to remain at Anfield.
The Hungary captain is currently tied to the club until 2028, but his representatives have been in discussions with the hierarchy over extended terms for several months.
Speaking after Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton, the Reds’ No.8 conceded that an agreement remains a considerable distance away.
Focus remains on the pitch
Liverpool are understood to be eager to secure the midfielder on a fresh deal to reflect his consistent progress on Merseyside.
However, the playmaker revealed there has been no real progression behind the scenes.
“So I cannot say anything new about my contract situation. We have a lot of games to go and I am focusing on that.”
He emphasised that while his future is no longer entirely in his own hands, his family is settled and happy in the city.
“Of course I see myself here in the long term, but as I say, it is not really in my hands any more.”
Derby delight against Everton
The contract update follows a memorable afternoon for the Hungarian, who supplied the crucial assist in the first-ever Merseyside derby at Everton’s new stadium.
His late corner allowed Virgil van Dijk to head home a 100th-minute winner, securing Liverpool’s first league double over their local rivals since 2022.
“It felt amazing. We had quite a few corners and chances, like they did. But to win a derby like this in the last second, we couldn’t ask for more.”
The victory provides a significant boost as Liverpool navigate their remaining five fixtures of the campaign.
He noted that winning away at Everton in such a dramatic fashion was a major moment for both the squad and the supporters.
“We were happy for each other to get the three points but also for the fans, because we know what it means for them, and also it means a lot for us to win a derby.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot commended third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman in the dressing room after his unexpected debut helped secure a dramatic 2-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton on Sunday.
The Reds initially took the lead through Mohamed Salah before Beto levelled the scoreline for the hosts in the second half.
The equaliser coincided with a severe blow for the visitors as starting goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was stretchered off the pitch with a significant wound.
With regular number one Alisson Becker already sidelined, the 29-year-old Woodman was thrust into the high-pressure environment for his first Premier League appearance.
A stoppage-time header from captain Virgil van Dijk ultimately sealed all three points for the Anfield side.
Dressing room recognition
Post-match cameras captured the Dutch tactician specifically highlighting the Englishman’s crucial contribution to the squad.
While some supporters expressed reservations about broadcasting behind-the-scenes footage, the interaction showcased the strong collective spirit within the camp.
The former Feyenoord boss also publicly praised the debutant during his official media duties following the final whistle.
‘He kept his nerve’
Slot acknowledged the immense pressure placed on the substitute shot-stopper during a tense finale at Goodison Park.
Freddie deserves a lot of credit, because if you have to come in after conceding the 1-1 and the fans were ready for it, he did his job really well.
He kept his calm in a difficult moment where he was doubting if he should catch the ball, yes or no, and he kept his nerve and worked so hard to have this moment.
Usually third goalkeepers don’t play a lot, but in a season like ours I think if you are playing at the moment in the U8s of Liverpool you should be ready to make your debut because it’s unbelievable what’s happening to us!
Goalkeeping crisis deepens
The Merseyside club is currently navigating a severe shortage of available senior goalkeepers:
- Alisson Becker is targeting a late-April return from a hamstring issue sustained in March.
- Giorgi Mamardashvili is awaiting further hospital assessment to determine the severity of his injury.
It remains to be seen if Woodman will be handed his first start when Crystal Palace visit Anfield on Saturday, 25 April.
Bernardo Silva continues to be the driving force for Manchester City in his final season at the club, delivering defensive masterclasses and crucial goals as his nine-year tenure nears its end.
The Portuguese international was instrumental during a recent 2-1 victory over title rivals Arsenal.
He produced vital defensive interventions against Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz to help secure the win.
Guardiola praises departing midfielder
Pep Guardiola recently dismissed suggestions that Rayan Cherki should win player of the year, instead pointing to his veteran playmaker.
The Catalan manager considers the 30-year-old his absolute favourite and an irreplaceable part of the squad.
“When you write the legend you have to write with the capital letter; not for today, for every single game over nine years,” Guardiola said.
The Manchester City boss even admitted that he might shed tears when the midfielder finally departs the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland’s Cannavaro comparison
Despite his small stature, the former Monaco man has proven surprisingly resilient in defensive situations.
He previously dominated the pitch during a crucial 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield, scoring a vital goal.
Against Arsenal, it was his ability to beat the much taller Viktor Gyokeres in the air that drew high praise from teammates.
“When he headed that cross away, I told him, ‘You were like f***ing Cannavaro,'” revealed Erling Haaland.
City remain locked in a fierce battle at the top of the Premier League table, where such grit is just as valuable as attacking flair.
As the season draws to a close, the reigning champions will be determined to give their legendary creator a fitting farewell.
Manchester City have dealt a significant blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes by securing a 2-1 victory over Mikel Arteta’s wasteful side.
Erling Haaland swept home a 65th-minute winner to decide a tightly contested match that swung on crucial moments inside the penalty areas.
The reigning champions capitalised on their opponents’ lack of a ruthless finishing touch to seize momentum at the top of the table.
Fine margins punish wasteful Gunners
Rayan Cherki gave Pep Guardiola’s team the lead with a brilliant opening strike before the visitors found an unconventional equaliser.
Kai Havertz restored parity by charging down a clearance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, sending the ball ricocheting directly into the net.
However, the German international quickly became the focal point of frustration after squandering two golden opportunities to turn the tide.
The former Chelsea forward failed to beat the Italian stopper in a critical second-half duel before heading over the crossbar from close range deep into stoppage time.
Arteta laments lack of killer instinct
This latest defeat mirrors the North London club’s recent Carabao Cup final loss to the same opposition, highlighting a persistent inability to convert key chances in decisive fixtures.
The Arsenal manager collapsed to his knees in the technical area as the final whistle confirmed a damaging result for a club chasing a first league crown in 22 years.
“The reality is that in the two boxes today was the difference – and that’s what decided the game.”
Mikel Arteta
The visitors were left to rue a series of agonizing near misses throughout a frantic second half.
- Havertz failed to convert a crucial one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper.
- Eberechi Eze rattled the post with a fierce drive from the edge of the penalty area.
- Gabriel Magalhaes saw his powerful header strike the woodwork following a well-worked free-kick.
Striking dilemmas persist despite summer investment
Arsenal had hoped to solve their attacking woes by spending £64m on Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres during the summer transfer window.
While the 27-year-old has netted 18 times across all competitions, questions remain over his suitability for the most demanding domestic encounters.
With the Swedish forward left out of the starting lineup in favour of an attacking midfield setup featuring Martin Odegaard and Eze, the tactical gamble ultimately fell short.
“It’s incredible how the ball doesn’t go in. So there is an element of luck, there is an element there of timing, of execution.”
“They didn’t go our way and we have to recognise that at the end, winning and not winning is going to come down to these moments.”
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard has been named Championship manager of the season after guiding the club to Premier League promotion.
The 47-year-old orchestrated a remarkable campaign, securing a top-flight return for the Sky Blues with three games to spare.
The Midlands outfit currently sit on 86 points and remain strong favourites to seal the league title.
His individual accolade was officially confirmed at the EFL awards ceremony on Sunday evening.
Coventry dominate team of the season
The former Chelsea midfielder was not the only member of the Coventry setup to be recognised for an outstanding year.
Four instrumental players from his promotion-winning squad were selected in the Championship team of the season.
Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth was joined in the prestigious XI by Milan van Ewijk, Matt Grimes and forward Haji Wright.
An emotional achievement
The ex-England international expressed immense pride in the resilience shown by the club’s supporters over recent years.
“It’s amazing. I’ve talked before about the fan base, what they’ve gone through and all the disappointments, and they’ve stuck with the club and all the stories.”
“And then now they get this moment. It’s a serious, serious football club. I didn’t even realise.”
Acknowledging the foundations laid by predecessor Mark Robins, the manager highlighted the scale of the task upon his arrival 15 months ago.
“We came in 15 months ago, 17th in the league. Mark Robins has done an incredible job to get them back up where they were.”
Closing in on the title
Securing automatic promotion without the financial safety net of parachute payments makes the collective achievement particularly notable.
“Those boys there, how they’ve listened and trained and everything they’ve done every day. It makes me feel emotional because they’re so great to work with, and they deserve every second of celebrating.”
“This league is hard. It’s getting harder because even the teams that are fighting for relegation, teams that have got players and squads.”
“These boys have managed to achieve something pretty unique and absolutely special and incredible.”
Coventry can take a significant step towards securing the league trophy when they host Portsmouth at the CBS Arena in midweek.
The newly promoted side will then conclude their historic campaign with fixtures against Wrexham and Watford.
Virgil van Dijk scored a 100th-minute header as Liverpool secured a dramatic 2-1 Premier League victory over Everton in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The seasoned veterans delivered when it mattered most to spare the blushes of their high-profile new team-mates.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring following a precise assist from Cody Gakpo, before the Dutch captain clinched all three points deep into stoppage time.
Dominik Szoboszlai provided the crucial delivery for the decisive goal, while Curtis Jones impressed while deputising in an unfamiliar right-back role.
Salah and Van Dijk rescue struggling arrivals
The reliance on the established guard highlighted the ongoing struggles of recent marquee additions Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
Both attackers arrived at Anfield last summer for fees exceeding £100m, but they largely failed to influence the match against their local rivals.
The Swedish striker appeared lacking in match sharpness following recent fitness issues, while the German playmaker struggled with the intense physical demands of the fixture.
Watkins double edges Villa closer to Champions League
Elsewhere in the top flight, Aston Villa moved 10 points clear inside the top five following a thrilling 4-3 victory over Sunderland.
Ollie Watkins proved instrumental for the Midlands club by scoring twice, ending a frustrating domestic goal drought that stretched back to early February.
The dramatic win leaves the team firmly on course to secure elite European football for next season.
They could mathematically guarantee their Champions League place before facing Nottingham Forest in their upcoming Europa League semi-final tie.
Forest ease relegation fears with heavy victory
Forest prepared for that looming continental clash by securing a vital 4-1 triumph over Burnley to ease their domestic relegation worries.
The comprehensive victory provides a significant boost for Vitor Pereira’s squad as they battle to preserve their top-flight status heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
Bayern Munich have retained the Bundesliga title after overcoming an early deficit to secure a 4-2 home victory against Stuttgart on Sunday.
Vincent Kompany’s side entered the fixture knowing a point would be enough to be crowned champions following Borussia Dortmund’s defeat by Hoffenheim on Saturday.
The visitors initially threatened to spoil the title party when Chris Führich opened the scoring against the run of play.
However, the Bavarian giants responded emphatically with a devastating six-minute spell that yielded three quickfire goals.
Devastating attacking burst seals triumph
Raphaël Guerreiro initiated the turnaround before Nicolas Jackson and the lightning-fast Alphonso Davies added their names to the scoresheet.
The relentless pressure from the hosts proved too much for the Swabian defence to handle as the match slipped entirely from their grasp.
England captain Harry Kane was introduced from the substitutes’ bench in the second half to add further gloss to the scoreline.
The prolific striker netted his 51st goal of the campaign across all competitions to put the result beyond any lingering doubt.
Domestic dominance restored in record-breaking season
A late consolation strike from Chema Andrés did little to dampen the ecstatic celebrations that erupted at the full-time whistle.
This latest triumph marks the 13th German top-flight trophy for the Munich powerhouse in the past 14 seasons.
Their absolute domestic dominance was only briefly interrupted by an invincible Bayer Leverkusen campaign during the previous term.
It has been a historically formidable season for the newly crowned champions, who have suffered just a single league defeat against Augsburg in late January.
They had already cemented their place in the history books last month by shattering their own 54-year goalscoring record when they surpassed the 102-goal mark.
Ipswich Town have moved into the second automatic promotion spot in the Championship following a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough, setting up a decisive 10-day battle to reach the top flight.
The Suffolk club sit above Millwall on goal difference and hold a one-point advantage over fourth-placed Southampton.
Crucially, the current runners-up also possess a vital game in hand over their closest divisional rivals.
Gruelling schedule on the road
Ipswich now face a demanding run of three away fixtures in just six days to determine their league fate.
They travel to Charlton on Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, before a potentially season-defining clash at Southampton on 28 April.
“We have three away games in six days to finish the season so it’s going to take an incredible effort from everyone to see if we can bring it back here for the final game.”
Manager Kieran McKenna acknowledges his squad must improve an away record that has yielded only eight victories from 20 matches this term.
“We’ve shown a lot this season in taking steps forward, so to go and have to get results from three away games in six days we will need to take another step forward if we want to be successful.”
Winless Boro clinging to play-off momentum
Middlesbrough find themselves three points adrift of the automatic places following a damaging seven-game winless streak.
The Teessiders were leading 2-1 at Portman Road before Jack Clarke converted a late penalty to rescue a point for the hosts.
Head coach Kim Hellberg insists his team must secure victories in their next two outings to maintain any hope of catching the top two.
“We need to look at the next two games and try to win them to still have a chance to play for automatics in the last game or have momentum to take into the play-offs.”
The Swedish manager took charge in November after Rob Edwards departed for Wolverhampton Wanderers, initially winning his first four matches.
However, a wretched recent run of just four points from a possible 21 has severely derailed their immediate promotion ambitions.
“The expectation of us being in the top two of the division is because we have been very, very good as a football team and I don’t think anyone had those expectations at the start of the season.”