Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher admits he has doubts about Trent Alexander-Arnold remaining at Anfield, with a move to Real Madrid possible.
The futures of the Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah has been a major talking point all season, with the trio all out of contract in the summer of 2025.
All three are among the most important players at Arne Slot’s disposal, so the idea of any of them not being Liverpool players next season causes concern to supporters.
Speaking on Sky Sports [via The Express] after the Reds’ 2-2 draw away to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, Carragher admitted he can see Alexander-Arnold moving to Madrid on a free transfer next year:
“I do believe Van Dijk and Salah will definitely renew their contracts. Trent on the other hand, I’m worried about. The longer it drags on, I think he joins Real Madrid.”
Our thoughts on Carragher’s comments on Trent…
For someone who potentially has connections with Liverpool to feel worried about Alexander-Arnold leaving is definitely a concern, especially with nothing seemingly happening regarding a new deal currently.
With Van Dijk and Salah, it does feel as though a more positive outcome is possible, but it is easy to envisage the vice-captain’s head being turned by a move to the reigning Champions League holders.
To lose Alexander-Arnold at the absolute peak of his powers would be a bitter blow for Liverpool, with no other right-back in world football capable of producing such world-class quality on the ball, as highlighted by the part he played in Salah’s equaliser at Anfield.
The hope is that the 26-year-old still sees his future at this boyhood club, perhaps emulating his hero Steven Gerrard, who opted against moving from the Reds to Chelsa during the mid-2000s.
The longer this saga goes on, though, the more it would appear as though Alexander-Arnold is thinking hard about whether a fresh challenge would be best at this point in his career.
Only time will tell what his decision will be, but given his age, tying him down is arguably even more important than Van Dijk and Salah.