Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation at Liverpool remains unresolved and his latest comments could be interpreted in many ways, so should fans be concerned?
The shadow cast over Arne Slot’s first season at the Reds is the uncertain future of three key players: Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
All clubs are free to negotiate with foreign clubs within 100 days, with the possibility of signing a pre-contract if no new terms can be agreed with Liverpool by then.
It is highly unlikely that their future will be decided within this year, as all three have the right to make their own judgments about the slot’s potential and wait until the conditions that best suit them come along.
As is expected for the club, Alexander-Arnold’s comments on the current situation following the win over Bournemouth have been interpreted in many ways. So is there cause for concern?
Pros: Claims and Slots
“I want to be a Liverpool player this season. [as a minimum] “Here’s what I’ll tell you,” Alexander-Arnold told reporters over the weekend about his future, an answer that was expected but not a definitive promise.
As Liverpool fans, we have been frustrated when key players decide not to spend their future at Anfield. If Alexander-Arnold were to do the same, it would be soul-destroying.
The 25-year-old joined Liverpool at the age of six and has consistently won trophies and risen to the position of vice-captain. This kind of connection is not easily broken.
He has previously spoken of his desire to become club captain and, if you look for the positive in his recent comments, the repetition of that ambition is somewhat encouraging.
“I’ve always said I wanted to be captain of the club. That’s my goal, and whether that happens is out of my hands,” said the No.66.
“I’ve been at the club for 20 years now. I’ve signed four or five contract extensions, but none of them have been publicly announced and this one will be no different.”
It’s a classic case of a subtle reminder to supporters that there’s still a future at Anfield, while also sending huge cheers to the club’s hierarchy.
This has already been confirmed in the tactics of Van Dijk and Salah, but it can be said that these two players have shown their intention and desire to stay at the club even stronger.
Another factor in all this is Slot. After finishing his entire playing career under Jurgen Klopp, a new manager has changed what he always knew, and speculation about their relationship has been rampant.
Early in the season, many were disgruntled by the early changes to the squad, which led to a narrative that the pair disliked each other, but Alexander-Arnold quickly put an end to that.
“It’s really refreshing to have a coach who helps, guides and teaches you to get better as a player,” he said of Slot.
“I am a person who wants to learn, wants to be the best, and strives to be the best.
“We talked about goals and objectives and I told him that I wanted to be the defender that no one in Europe wants to face.
“We agreed that he would be harsh on me. Every time an attacker walked past me, he would point it out in meetings and individual meetings and tell me that this couldn’t happen.
“We play every game together and he highlights what I need to improve on.”
What I want to hear from Alexander-Arnold is that he is pursuing the next step and embracing change. But while that is a positive statement, his words about ambition go beyond the Dutchman.
A message that fits his ambitions
While I see no issue with the above comments about whether Alexander-Arnold’s contract should be extended, his comments about his ambitions have had a different effect.
“Honestly, the most important thing is always the trophy,” the Scouser said of the decision he will be making.
“I want to win trophies. I’m a player who is very motivated by trophies, winning and being elite.
“So that’s probably the most important factor, whatever it is. If you have an elite personality, and you want to win, and you’re willing to do whatever it takes to win, that’s what drives me.”
Alexander-Arnold has been extremely competitive since his childhood and Liverpool need to show him the big ambition they can achieve.
The club cannot afford to sit still and his love for the club will not blind him to whether he can still be successful at Anfield or if he needs to look elsewhere.
Of course, the other team most likely to be Real Madrid is one that doesn’t need to show off its trophies, but can remind you that it has won 11 silverwares since 2020 alone.
Comments like this may not be as reassuring to the club as others, but perhaps that is the intention. Alexander-Arnold is known to love the game of chess, and this is all for exactly that reason.
He will constantly be assessing the situation and could draw on the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, who have remained at Anfield when success has not always followed.
With 316 appearances already under his belt for the club, the 25-year-old deserves to be given a chance to show Liverpool what he can do before his prime. And let’s just hope he likes what he sees.
Overall confidence
There is no doubt that the club have shown extreme neglect of their contractual situation and it is exhausting to think that this issue will be the underpinning of this season until a solution is found.
This issue has gone through so many hands, but it’s ridiculous that it’s gotten to this point with Alexander-Arnold. The Reds need to give him the keys to the kingdom.
It may be naive, but I am an optimist and believe Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold will agree a new contract. And they will make us sweat!
He wants to grow at the club and ensure he can continue to win trophies, and if those ambitions don’t match the expectations of his superiors, you can’t blame him for wanting to leave.
What I take away from Alexander-Arnold’s comments is that he is ready to leave the team, but if the club shows they are committed and can live up to his ambitions, he will be happy to stay.
He doesn’t have much cause for concern, but it is concerning that Liverpool aren’t taking his hints.
