Trent Alexander-Arnold has spoken about his future at his boyhood club Liverpool as speculation mounts over a possible move to Real Madrid as his contract expires at the end of the season.
The defender has been at the Reds since 2004, breaking into the first team in 2016 and quickly becoming a fan favorite with his accurate crosses and dangerous set pieces.
Since then, Alexander-Arnold has won it all, lifting the Champions League trophy in 2019 and the Premier League title a year later, as well as winning an FA Cup and two League Cups.
He looks likely to kiss more trophies later this season as Liverpool have made a remarkable start under new boss Arne Slot, finding themselves four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.
But the 26-year-old could be ready to leave with contract negotiations stalled in recent weeks and big European teams, including Real Madrid, circling for the star.
In fact, Alexander-Arnold has been somewhat coy about his future at Anfield, and teammate Mohamed Salah’s situation is attracting more attention, but he has now broken his silence in an interview with sky sports.
Trent Alexander-Arnold spoke about his future at the Liverpool of his childhood
The defender won everything at the Anfield club, including the Champions League in 2019
He has also started to break into the England squad after being regularly excluded in the past.
he said: ‘I have been at the club for 20 years now and I have signed four or five contract extensions… and none of them have been made public.
“This one won’t be either.”
It comes after pundit Rio Ferdinand suggested it would be a “monumental” achievement if Liverpool managed to keep their three stars out of contract after the summer transfer window.
Captain Virgil van Dijk, along with Alexander-Arnold and Salah, is also a possible exit from Anfield next year, with less than six months remaining on the trio’s deals before they can leave as free agents in June 2025.
Mail Sport reported on Sunday that the club had made initial contact with Salah over a new contract offer, but the Egyptian star is not believed to be close to agreeing a deal with the Reds to extend his time on Merseyside.
All three have the right to speak to foreign clubs from January 1, and several European giants are believed to be circling top players with a view to securing their services for nothing.
“If the club can achieve all three, it will be a monumental moment,” Ferdinand said on TNT Sports. ‘(They are all) enormous talents and the service they have provided is tremendous.
“They are at the level of the greats, but I don’t see them achieving all three. I think Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will stay, (but) this is an opportunity for someone like Trent to go to Real Madrid.
Mohamed Salah has been in exceptional form lately and his contract also ends in the summer.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk will be able to talk to other clubs from January as his contract nears the end.
Arne Slot has led his team to 19 wins, two draws and just one loss in his first 22 games in charge.
“A club like that doesn’t come around often and the way it’s happening, they’ll never get an easier chance than now, so it’ll be difficult for them (to stay).”
Steve McManaman, who made the move from Anfield to the Bernabeu in 1999, suggested Liverpool focus on their captain and top scorer rather than Alexander-Arnold.
“Now the backbone is Van Dijk and Mo,” added the co-author. ‘It will be impossible to replace all three, but it is important to specify Mo and Virgil.
‘Trent, it’s all up to him. With Mo and Virgil, they are at an age where they still want to play at a high level and probably have fewer options. I think it will be easier.’
Last week, Alexander-Arnold revealed Slot’s impact on the dressing room since his arrival in the summer, as well as his “mind-blowing” tactical approach.
“The style with which he trains, the style with which we play and the identity we have as a team is something that is there to see,” said the England international. TNT Sports.
“We’re all enjoying it, he’s bringing out the best in the players, that’s all you want as a player.” We are all willing to learn to improve.
‘That’s what you want, he’s someone who will teach us that. As you have seen, the boys accepted it from day one. “That’s what you need as a new coach, when you have guys willing to learn and get feedback, then you’re halfway there.”
Slot has introduced a more tactical style to his pressing, compared to Klopp’s relentless physical approach, which Alexander-Arnold has adopted seamlessly.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti could manage Alexander-Arnold next season
Rio Ferdinand and Steve McManaman discussed possible Liverpool exits this week
The 26-year-old marveled at the new coach’s meticulous methods and explained that, through repetition, he has already embodied his football philosophy in the team.
‘The tactics are also amazing. “If I’m honest, I don’t think anyone would have said we would be as good as we are,” he continued.
‘Looking back on the first few days I met him, it doesn’t surprise me much now, because of how deep and detailed he is.
“And from the level of detail that goes into it, it really doesn’t surprise me that we look so good as a team, because he’s instilled that in us.”