Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool future under serious threat (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold faces an uncertain future at Liverpool after his disastrous performance against Manchester United, which attracted widespread criticism. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, the 26-year-old is now free to speak with non-English clubs, heightening speculation of a move to long-time admirers Real Madrid.
On Sunday he was regularly targeted by United, who managed to exploit his defensive vulnerabilities. The match ended 2-2, but with rumors of a move to Spain, Alexander-Arnold's poor performance led to ridicule online and in the Sky Sports studio.
“There is talk of him leaving for Real Madrid, then he will go to Tranmere Rovers,” Roy Keane joked. Even Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk seemed exasperated with Alexander-Arnold, with the right-back failing to win any of his individual duels by the time he gave way to Conor Bradley in the 86th minute. With his career at Anfield seemingly hanging by a thread, Express football examines how things got to where they are today.
'Shaken' by Klopp's exit
Jurgen Klopp's departure last summer reportedly shook Alexander-Arnold to the point that he immediately began thinking about his future at his boyhood club. The German gave the defender his debut at Liverpool and helped him become one of the best technicians the club has ever known.
Klopp was excellent at getting the best out of Alexander-Arnold while protecting his weaknesses, and his abrupt departure removed the protective barrier the manager had provided him since he broke into the first team. Speaking to Sky Sports, Alexander-Arnold admitted Klopp's exit hit him hard and the whole team was left in shock following the announcement.
“It was just a total surprise to all of us as players, it was a surprise that we didn't see coming, you never do, especially when things are going so well,” he said. declared. “We were flying at the top of the league, we were fighting on all four fronts at that point for every trophy possible, so you expect the good times to keep coming and coming.
“So when he tells us the news and his decision, obviously we have to respect it, but it’s a decision that no player wants to hear and it kind of shook the locker room for a few hours.”
Alexander-Arnold had a strong relationship with former Liverpool boss Klopp. (Image: Getty)
Difficult start under Slot
Heading into the current campaign, Alexander-Arnold had just one year left on his contract, leaving his future at Liverpool uncertain from the start. Then, as the season began to unfold, it was clear that new manager Arne Slot had some change of heart about the defender.
The Dutchman hung on to Alexander-Arnold in his first three Premier League matches, although he claimed it was because he was handling the right-back's workload. Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold looked frustrated on the sidelines.
The situation boiled over during a match against Brentford in August when a seemingly upset Alexander-Arnold slumped on the bench after being substituted and appeared uninterested as Slot tried to speak to him. He also appeared perplexed after the final whistle when teammate Diogo Jota tried to celebrate the victory with him.
Slot, however, has used him regularly all season and tried to shield Alexander-Arnold from criticism after Sunday's performance, saying: “Trent has played mostly very good games for the club. Today he didn't wasn't his best game, but that had to do with them too,” he said. “Sometimes Ryan [Gravenberch] wasn't close enough to him, so it was a two-on-one situation. I would put it more on the quality of [Diogo] Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has not responded well to being substituted in Liverpool's opening matches this season. (Image: Air Sports)
Real Madrid rumors
The rumor sparked with Spanish media claiming that Alexander-Arnold had expressed his desire to join Real Madrid after his contract ends this summer. This information was, however, refuted by several British media.
Despite continued interest from the Whites, Liverpool rejected a £20m bid for their vice-captain on New Year's Eve. The Spanish giants had hoped to secure his services this month, but he now looks more likely that they will wait until the end of the campaign to recruit him.
The player's future remains uncertain as talks continue with Anfield bosses over a possible contract extension. All negotiations are being led by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, reflecting the club's unwavering commitment to retaining Alexander-Arnold.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1996881/Trent-Alexander-Arnold-Liverpool-Real-Madrid