The future of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool has been a question mark for a few weeks now with Real Madrid links circling. Adored by the Reds fans, his exit would leave a gaping hole in Arne Slot’s team.
One of the best attacking right-backs in the world, Trent is one of those players that is loved at Anfield but the rest of the footballing world keeps looking for an opportunity to ridicule him. His defensive acumen has always been a question mark.
When Real Madrid come calling, you don’t see many players saying no. With Trent yet to agree on a contract extension and the current deal close to expiry in less than 12 months, a transfer looks like a possibility this summer.
As per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, writing in his Daily Briefing, there is not much that the journalist is aware of going on between the Liverpool star and Real Madrid. He also played down the lunch meeting with Jude Bellingham.
“As I always repeat, footballers are friends but it means nothing in terms of transfers. Just because Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham have been seen having dinner together… there’s really nothing more to say.”
“They are great friends and that’s it. Real Madrid are monitoring Trent’s situation as reported back in March and the situation has absolutely not changed at all so far.”
Arne Slot is kickstarting a new project at Anfield and he is likely to want his vice-captain to stick around. The Dutch coach likes to play with attacking fullbacks in his system and Trent would fit in like a glove.
In a successful and well-functioning system, Trent’s shortcomings are well-masked. Especially whilst having a good center-back who can help him out defensively, the 25-year-old can really thrive and be a creative force to reckon with.
Jurgen Klopp was forced to use Joe Gomez at right-back in the absence of Trent due to injuries last season. Whilst the versatile defender can do a job in that position, he is nowhere close to the Real Madrid target in terms of quality.
All things considered, Liverpool are not in a position where they can lose Trent this summer unless they sign a replacement. It remains to be seen how this saga pans out.
