Mayes Yousef
Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold remains unfazed by rumors surrounding his future and is staying focused on his performances, according to head coach Arne Slot. The 26-year-old England right-back, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold has previously stated that he won’t discuss his contract publicly.
Having progressed through Liverpool’s youth academy and captained the team at various levels, Alexander-Arnold has won major titles including the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup since his senior debut in 2016. Other key players, including captain Virgil van Dijk and winger Mohamed Salah, are also out of contract at the end of the season.
Slot addressed the speculation, saying, “People often underestimate our players. They’re used to being connected with top clubs, whether they’re under contract or not. If you think this distracts them, you’re overlooking their mental strength. It’s part of our profession and the world we live in.”
He emphasized that while younger players might struggle with such pressure, experienced players like Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, and Salah, all of whom have won major honors, are equipped to handle it. “They’re performing well, and that’s what matters.”
Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League with 18 points from seven games, have suffered a setback with goalkeeper Alisson Becker sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Slot hopes the 32-year-old Brazilian will return before Christmas but said more clarity on his recovery will be available in a few weeks.