Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot has admitted he’s “upset” that Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely be leaving the membership, calling him “a really, superb full-back.” He additionally hinted that the England defender may very well be heading to Actual Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold revealed on Monday that he’ll depart Liverpool on the finish of his contract, which runs out on 30 June 2025, bringing his 20-year keep at Anfield to an finish.
Actual Madrid, who’ve been linked with him all through the season, have reportedly contacted Liverpool about signing the 26-year-old early so he can play within the FIFA Membership World Cup in the US, which begins on 14 June.
When requested in regards to the doable early transfer, Slot stated:
“He hasn’t confirmed something himself. It’s laborious for me to say the place he’s going. You’ll be able to inform from my smile we each know the place, but it surely’s not official but.”
Liverpool have already been topped Premier League champions, with 4 matches to spare. They host second-placed Arsenal on Sunday, who’re 15 factors behind with solely three video games left.
Slot confirmed that Northern Eire’s Conor Bradley, 21, will begin at right-back instead of Alexander-Arnold, as he begins getting ready for all times with out the long-serving defender.
“Like each Liverpool fan, we’re unhappy to see him go,” Slot stated.
“He’s not only a nice footballer, but in addition an excellent particular person. I’ve labored at golf equipment like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord the place key gamers depart usually. I’m used to it. When one prime participant leaves, one other steps up — and that’s what we count on now.”
Sunday’s match will likely be Liverpool’s first since Alexander-Arnold introduced his departure. Whereas the information has drawn combined reactions, Slot stated he received’t inform followers the best way to reply.
“Folks will all the time have opinions — about me, about Trent, about anybody. Possibly it’s extra unfavourable now than regular, however I don’t pay an excessive amount of consideration to that.”
“I’ve spoken to Trent on WhatsApp. He stated himself he didn’t need the staff to be distracted by this. Hopefully, the followers concentrate on the staff on Sunday. If the assist is optimistic in the direction of Trent, then that’s effective too.”
