Liverpool have made a robust begin to the 2024/25 Premier League season however not all is rosy beneath new supervisor Arne Slot, who changed the legendary Jurgen Klopp over the summer season.
Whereas Klopp left the Dutchman a Liverpool squad jam-packed with stars, he additionally departed earlier than new offers could possibly be agreed with a number of key gamers. The futures of captain Virgil van Dijk, talisman Mo Salah and native hero Trent Alexander-Arnold are nonetheless up within the air, with all three inside the remaining yr of their respective contracts.
The trio have remained coy on their plans, with Liverpool followers arguably most involved over the way forward for Alexander-Arnold – the youngest of the three at 25. The defender is seen as a generational expertise and a possible skipper by Reds , who fear the Englishman may depart for a continental big resembling Actual Madrid free of charge on the finish of the season. Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson already seems resigned to shedding him.
“He’d turn into a greater participant on the Bernabeu” – Mark Lawrenson
“I feel he’ll go to Actual Madrid,” Lawrenson instructed FourFourTwo on behalf of Sports activities Casting . “If he wished to remain he would have performed the deal by now. He’ll be on nice cash now however he may earn much more on the Bernabeu. His financial institution supervisor can be delighted. I perceive it, too. It could be an actual thrill to go and check your self in opposition to the very best gamers on the planet. From a cultural standpoint, too. He is a well-educated boy he is a wise lad he is from an excellent household Liverpool. Spain can be one thing new and thrilling.”
Lawrenson factors at two different examples of Liverpool stars leaving Anfield to additional their careers at Actual Madrid: Steve McManaman, who made the transfer in 1999, and Michael Owen, who trod the identical path in 2005.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a transfer to Actual Madrid in current weeks. (Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
“Michael Owen and Steve McManaman made the transfer between Liverpool and Actual Madrid earlier than him and each of them liked their time in Spain,” Lawrenson explains. “If it is doable, I feel Trent would turn into an excellent higher participant at Actual Madrid.”
Nevertheless, Lawrenson does additionally really feel that nothing is ready in stone simply but. Alexander-Arnold has been with Liverpool for the reason that age of six and clearly loves the membership. He may merely be buying round to see what else is on the market earlier than committing.
“He needs to be accountable for his personal future and he’s proper now,” Lawrenson explains. “He may nonetheless signal a brand new contract with Liverpool however from January 1, he’ll be listening to contract affords from different golf equipment. That is the best way soccer is these days – he is in a unbelievable place.”
Lawrenson feels that Liverpool are in an excellent place to interchange Alexander-Arnold if their star full-back does resolve to go away. “They have already got a ready-made substitute in Conor Bradley. He can step straight in. They will not wish to lose Trent, as a result of he is a world-class participant, however you must put together for all outcomes.”
VIDEO: Why Trent Alexander-Arnold deserves extra respect
FourFourTwo’s verdict
Whereas it’s true that Liverpool have a superb back-up choice in 21-year-old Conor Bradley, getting Alexander-Arnold to signal a brand new deal ought to be the membership’s main focus between now and January. The England worldwide is a totally completely different sort of participant to Bradley, in that he has the composure and passing vary to step into midfield and assist the Reds dominate possession.
Shedding him can be horrible however to lose him on a free switch can be nothing in need of a disaster. The Premier League can be a worse league with out Alexander-Arnold’s skills.
