Liverpool’s international break has been plagued by the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold is poised to quit the club in order to sign for Real Madrid at the end of the season
Liverpool are within touching distance of a 20th domestic title after a dream maiden season at the helm for Arne Slot. But the imminent departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold has soured the mood at Anfield ahead of the return of the Premier League.
The Reds headed into the international break 12 points clear of Arsenal. But despite the fact their players have seemingly escaped the break unscathed, speculation over Alexander-Arnold will dominate the narrative ahead of next week’s Merseyside derby.
It seems as the Liverpool star has all but agreed to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. The news will come as a serious blow to Arne Slot, who has made no secret of his desire to keep Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
All eyes will now be on contract talks with Salah and Van Dijk ahead of the run-in as Liverpool fight Arsenal for the title. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest news from Anfield…
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Murphy points finger
Danny Murphy says the blame for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s mooted exit lies solely at the feet of the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group. Alexander-Arnold, like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, has been free to speak with overseas clubs since January after entering the final six months of his deal and is now thought to be close to finalising a bombshell switch to the Bernabeu.
The Liverpool hierarchy and FSG have been questioned in some quarters for allowing such a situation to materialise. And Murphy has called them out, saying that they could have sold Alexander-Arnold rather than risk losing him for free if it was clear he would not sign a new contract.
FSG sent new demand
Kop favourite Robbie Fowler says Fenway Sports Group should give Mohamed Salah ‘what he wants’ to ensure he does not follow Trent Alexander-Arnold out of Anfield this summer. Liverpool’s talisman has still not agreed a new deal with just weeks of the season remaining.
Liverpool have already been rocked this week by the news that Alexander-Arnold is planning to up sticks to Madrid. And Fowler says it’s vital that Salah is not allowed to follow suit, even if that means paying what the player is demanding.
Reds can still bank Trent fee
Liverpool could still stand to bank a seven-figure sum if Trent Alexander-Arnold departs for Real Madrid – even though the England star will be out of contract. That’s because Los Blancos would like him to feature for them in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Clubs will be able to sign players before the tournament, which starts before Alexander-Arnold’s contract officially expires. With that in mind, The Sun reports that Madrid would need to shell out around £5m to sign Alexander-Arnold at the start of June.
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