Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-term future at Liverpool has become one of the major talking points in England amid the defender’s contractual wobble.
Out of contract at the end of the season, the 26-year-old has yet to pledge his loyalty to Anfield, causing unrest among the club hierarchy and fans alike.
New manager Arne Slot was adamant during his latest interview that Liverpool chiefs aren’t panicking despite growing speculation linking their homegrown ace with a move to Real Madrid.
“I think you underestimate our players,” the Dutch coach told The Guardian.
“These players are used to being linked with all the top clubs on a daily basis, if they have contracts or not.
“If you think they’re disturbed by this interest then you don’t do justice to how strong they are mentally. This is part of our job.
“This is part of this world we are living in. You just focus on what you have to do.”
Slot’s statement arrived soon after Spanish news outlet Marca ran a bold front-page headline, saying the Reds “already know that he [Alexander-Arnold] will not renew.”
Indispensable
Since former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp launched Trent into the senior squad in 2016, the England international has become an omnipresent first-team figure at Anfield.
Like his counterpart on the left flank, Andy Robertson, Trent has been an undisputed owner of a right-back role on Merseyside, racking up over 300 appearances for the Reds.
With 19 goals and 83 assists, he’s one of the club’s most prolific defenders ever, highlighting his household status among the Liverpool faithful.
Despite facing a race against time, Liverpool’s optimism over their standout star’s contract extension isn’t unfounded.
There’s no doubt the 20-time Premier League champions will go above and beyond to prevent Trent’s departure, and the feeling may well be mutual.
However, Liverpool would be naive to take Trent’s contract renewal for granted.
Instead, the club must prepare for the worst-case scenario as we look at three possible alternatives in case the sought-after Reds right-back quits the club next summer.
Options
Trent’s potential exit would be devastating for Liverpool, but that doesn’t mean they cannot find a suitable replacement.
Conor Bradley
One may already be in the house.
During Arnold’s injury in the second half of last season, up-and-coming homegrown starlet Conor Bradley stepped up impressively.
The 21-year-old made 11 Premier League appearances in 2023/24, tallying one goal and three assists.
Bradley’s bursting runs down the flank and superb crossing ability bore much resemblance to Trent’s playing style.
If managed properly, the Northern Irish youngster could become Trent’s heir at Anfield.
Promoting Bradley to a regular starter seems like a gamble worth taking, especially considering it would save Liverpool a lot of money.
Jeremie Frimpong
Should the Reds decide to splash out a small fortune to replace Trent, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong may be among the club’s first choices.
After years of thriving in the Bundesliga, the Dutch star has become one of Europe’s hottest prospects, drawing interest from numerous top teams, including Manchester United.
However, a tempting chance to work with his countryman, Slot, at Anfield would likely be an irresistible prospect for the 23-year-old.
Frimpong would be a massive coup for Liverpool, yet like Arnold, his defensive skills remain a concern despite his attacking prowess.
Vanderson
Frimpong’s arrival would probably cost the Reds a truckload of money.
On the other hand, Vanderson’s price tag makes him a far more affordable option than the Leverkusen stalwart.
Since swapping Gremio for Monaco in 2022, the 23-year-old has developed into one of the most highly-rated right-backs in Ligue 1.
The Monaco defender rose to prominence in 2023/24, scoring three goals and delivering one assist in 20 league outings.
He’s carried his impressive form in the new campaign, already registering a goal and an assist in six top-flight matches.
