Liverpool have quietly completed one of their best bits of business this summer, tying star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai down to a new contract that will run until 2031. The Hungary captain was the Reds' outstanding performer last season, and his improved deal ends any speculation over his future. Hours after the news broke, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano announced that a "top, top, top club" was set to make him a "top, top, top target" next summer if his contract had continued to run down.
Mohamed Salah's Agent Cryptic as Besiktas Talks Reported
Mohamed Salah's agent and lawyer, Ramy Abbas Issa, took to X (formerly Twitter) to offer a mysterious update on his client's future. "We still do not know where Mohamed will play next season but we may know very soon," Abbas wrote. He added: "It is not our style to have discussions with clubs that Mohamed wouldn't want to play for, just for the sake of noise."
Shortly after, journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu claimed Abbas was already in Istanbul negotiating with Turkish giants Besiktas. "Besiktas has made its first offer to Mohamed Salah," Sabuncuoglu reported. "Salah, who initially demanded €15 million per year, has lowered his salary expectations to join Besiktas. The player's lawyer has arrived in Istanbul."
Reports from Salah's homeland suggest the money on offer from Saudi clubs may not be as eye-watering as a year ago, making Turkey a realistic destination. Sports View claim Salah's family are "eager to settle in Istanbul."
Andoni Iraola Confirms Winger Search
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed Liverpool are working on a replacement for Salah. Speaking to Stan Sport, Iraola said: "We cannot expect to sign a winger that is going to replace Mo Salah because otherwise we are preparing him to fail almost. I think obviously we need someone in that area but probably will have different skills. He can maybe complement the team in another way and we are working on that, definitely. It's one of the challenges. Definitely there are going to be changes."
TEAMtalk claims Bournemouth's Rayan is "firmly on Liverpool's radar" and that the Reds "have now made contact" for the Brazilian winger. Rayan only joined Bournemouth in January and has a £130 million release clause that doesn't kick in until January 2026. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring his progress.
Liverpool Miss Out on Schlotterbeck
Sky Germany's Patrick Berger reports that Liverpool missed the chance to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck in a cut-price deal after he signed a new contract with a release clause valid until July 15. The clause has now expired, and Schlotterbeck is sidelined with a serious ankle injury until at least September. The clause was only valid for three suitors: Liverpool, Real Madrid and one unnamed club.
Curtis Jones Interest Cools
Nottingham Forest's interest in Curtis Jones appears to have cooled as they prioritise other targets. Forest are in negotiations with Tottenham for Lucas Bergvall, having already rejected a £38 million bid, and have agreed a two-year contract with Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager. Football Insider reports that Jones "has fallen down the pecking order of potential signings," though midfield remains a priority area.
Other Transfer Rumours
Lille president Olivier Letang expressed confidence that Moroccan prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi will stay another season, despite Manchester City making progress in talks. Arsenal are reportedly "well ahead of Liverpool in the race" to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, though Liverpool's interest may have ended with the acquisition of Alexander Isak last summer.
Former Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes jokingly suggested the Reds sign Barcelona's Lamine Yamal to replace Salah, or alternatively Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise or Bukayo Saka. He also urged Florian Wirtz to consider a reunion with Xabi Alonso at Chelsea.
