Liverpool legend Carragher warns Trent-Alexander-Arnold about leaving Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract expiring at the end of the 2024/25 season has made former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher, reflect on the implications, should the player decide to leave. Rumours have linked the 25-year-old with a move to Champions League winners Real Madrid, as there are no signs of talks between Trent and Liverpool regarding a new deal.

The situation for the Englishman is similar to that of teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, as they are both also approaching the end of their respective contracts at the end of the season. In the eyes' of Carragher, however, the circumstances between Trent and the two Liverpool stars is different. "I've been thinking about this for a couple of weeks," he began, taking to 'Stick to Football'. "You've got three players - Van Dijk, Salah, and Trent - but when you're a local player at Liverpool, leaving the club is not just a decision; it's complicated."

The ex-Red centre-back further explained how the same sentiment would be shared by the supporters. "If van Dijk or Salah left on a free transfer, Liverpool fans would likely wish them well and appreciate their contributions. But with Trent, it would be different. The reaction would be much more intense." he stated. 

"If you go through it, it happened to [Steve] McManaman when he went to Madrid, there was no like, 'Oh good luck, you're going to the biggest club in the world'. It was a bit like, 'Who do you think you are going there? Going there for free," he explained, comparing Alexander-Arnold's situation with that of his ex-teammate - another homegrown hero rumoured to leave to Real Madrid for free. 

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has avoided commenting on Alexander-Arnold's future in repeatedl occasions, and fans have noted the player's early substitution in the opening three games. Ahead of the Nottingham Forest game on Saturday, Slot was once again asked to give an update the player's contract conditions. The Dutchman replied: "We don't talk about contract situations over here".

 

September 13, 2024