Trent Alexander-Arnold now has 'two fantastic options' amid Liverpool contract saga

Glen Johnson, the former Liverpool defender, has confidently declared that Trent Alexander-Arnold's reputation will remain intact even if he decides to join Real Madrid, provided he continues to give his all for Liverpool until the end of the season.

Alexander-Arnold, whose contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season, could potentially enter talks with other clubs in January, alongside teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, sparking concerns that the trio could leave Anfield on free transfers. in summer.

Johnson, who faced a similar crossroads when he left his boyhood club West Ham to join Chelsea during Roman Abramovich's first spending spree in 2003, sympathizes with Alexander's situation- Arnold. Having joined West Ham at nine and then moving on to bigger prospects, Johnson understands the weight of such decisions.

Alexander-Arnold, who was signed by Liverpool aged six, is now facing his own pivotal moment.

In a conversation with Mirror football At the launch of the FA's core strategy for 2024-28, Johnson reflected on his past experiences and expressed his confidence that whichever Alexander-Arnold chose, the Liverpool-born player's legacy would be assured thanks to his achievements.

“100 percent [his reputation with fans will remain intact]Johnson said. “He's obviously a local boy, he's won everything to win with Liverpool.”

Despite the precarious state of his contract, Johnson praised Alexander-Arnold for not causing any fuss or expressing a desire to leave. He also praised the defender's professionalism and performances, noting that Alexander-Arnold will have no shortage of options if he decides to explore new horizons.

“Either he's going to renew at Liverpool or he's going somewhere like Real Madrid, they're two fantastic options. I think it's good that, if he leaves, he leaves on good terms, but I think There’s still a chance he will stay.”

Reflecting on his departure from West Ham, Johnson admitted: “Deep down, at the time, you don't want to leave. I worked from the age of 10 to get into that first team, and then before you realize, it's over quickly.

“You're upset on one side but super positive on the other side, same for him. You have a chance to go to Chelsea where you're going to win things at such a young age, of course that's the positive and something you can't refuse.

“But a year before you didn't see it coming. Everything has progressed and you have to progress, and that's the path I took, but leaving your boyhood club is not easy.”

Alexander-Arnold would not be the first Liverpool ace to replace Anfield with the Bernabeu, one thinks of the echoes of Steve McManaman, who left for Madrid for free, and Michael Owen, who then followed suit for a significant fee.

Former Liverpool FC defender Glen Johnson says unlike the departures of McMananman and Owen, fans will not see a drop in affection for current Reds sensation number 66. Anticipation builds as Liverpool faces a huge clash in the Champions League, seen by John. as an important test since the arrival of Arne Slot's new managerial talents.

“It will be [a different kind of challenge] but if you want to play for one of the best clubs, you have to roll with the best,” said Johnson, ready for the battle between the titans of football.

“They've obviously won this tournament multiple times and they certainly have world-class players, but as we saw the other week [against Lille] they are not unbeatable and Liverpool, in their era, are capable of beating anyone. It’s going to be a fantastic game to watch, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we come out of it in the right way.”