All the chat this season for Liverpool fans was about the futures of three of their most crucial players, Virgil Van Dijk, Mohammed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but with none currently signed for next season, one of the three may have just punched their ticket out of Liverpool.
Hometown kid, and future club legend Trent Alexander-Arnold has been eyed by the worlds biggest team Real Madrid for the best part of a year, but recent reports have confirmed Real Madrid are now closer than ever to bagging their man.
With club icon Dani Carvajal battling an ACL injury, and coming to an end of a spectacular career, Trent at only 26 years old looks like he will be Florentino Perez’ new starting right back. But with Liverpool letting the first of the three musketeers walk, Trent may have been a smart, and calculated sacrifice. But here’s why.
Trent is no doubt up there when we talk about the best fullbacks in world football, but currently with his defensive awareness and performances reaching its worst form ever, Liverpool may not have been clutched onto Trent so hard as people may think. With Trent showing clear signs of defensive liability, his passing and playmaking abilities overshadow his poor defensive duties, but with his departure comes some positives for the reds.
The fullback situation could look a whole lot different in 2025 for Lioverpool, as not only the potential departure of Trent nears, but the more than likely possibility that long time left back Andy Robertson doesn't make the cut for Slot’s reds next season. But with Robertson currently still holding the starting left back position, it's the right back vacancy that will have Liverpool fans puzzled. But come the summer transfer window, the spot may already be filled by youngster Conor Bradley.
During a number of Trent’s absences this season, 21 year old Northern Irish right back Conor Bradley has done a more than impressive job at the right back position, and has wooed fans with his impressive defensive and attacking capabilities. Bradley is by far a feasible option for Liverpool at the right back spot, and after a number of good performances over the last two years, Bradley has definitely shown to Slot and the management team that he has what it takes to be the reds starting right back. It is silly to say he passes,or even creates as many great chances as Trent does, but as a 21 year old who has a slim amount of first team experience, he has 100% earned himself the right to start at right back for Liverpool.
But even with Liverpool figuring out their future starter to replace Trent, the decision to let him walk may have been the right financial decision going forward. With Salah and Van Dijk, arguably two untouchable world beaters heading into the final few months of their contracts, allowing Trent to walk may be a tactical way of alleviating some financial pressure, making it easier to renew Salah and Van Dijk, having trust in a player like Bradley to fill Trent’s role. Unlike Salah and Van Dijk, Trent brings stuff to the team that can be replaced, and with Bradley already coming through the ranks, it makes sense to have let Trent explore other options.
With the decision to let Trent head to the world's biggest stage in Madrid, it won't be all frowns in Liverpool, but there will definitely be some disappointment. But with Trent’s financial demands being lifted off Liverpool’s shoulders, it could be a move which massively benefits both clubs.
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