Liverpool blasted over ‘ridiculous’ handling of Trent Alexander-Arnold contract situation

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is up in the air, with Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing the Liverpool star as he enters the last year of his contract.

Liverpool have been criticised for their “ridiculous” handling of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future, with the defender’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Alexander-Arnold is one of many important players who will be free to leave the club next summer, along with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who are both out of contract in June. Real Madrid has been extensively linked with a move for Alexander-Arnold, and Jason Cundy has questioned why Liverpool has let its vice-captain enter the final year of his contract.

“Trent is the one that is a head-scratcher for me,” the former Chelsea defender remarked on talkSPORT. “He’s 25/26; allowing him to go is ludicrous to me. His contract is about to end. How are we having this debate, and why is it taking place?

“This talk is no longer relevant since, as far as we know, the contract has not been executed. I can’t believe it’s already October. If you appreciate the player sufficiently at your football club, they should not be in the latter two years of their deal.”When you reach 18 months, question marks appear, and the player’s strength gradually increases. He has the golden ticket, Trent. He’s 26 years old, and you’d expect him to want to stay in Liverpool, where he’s been since he was six.

“He has been with the football club for 20 years and is an important component of its future. We discussed potential outcomes for him on January 1st. He may sign a pre-contract with Real Madrid on January 1st.

“That’s three months away; think about it. That’s absurd. “Walk for nothing.” Alexander-Arnold has been tight-lipped about his future thus far, admitting last month: “I have always said I want to captain the club, that is an aim of mine and a goal of mine, (but) whether that happens is out of my hands.”Look, I’ve been with the club for 20 years and have signed four or five contract extensions, none of which have been played out in public. And this one will not be, either. I want to be a Liverpool player this season (at the very least).

“The most important thing is always trophies, if I am honest.”I want to win trophies; I am a player who is really motivated by trophies, winning, and becoming top. So that is probably the most important component in everything; if you have an outstanding mentality that wants to win and will go to any length to succeed, that is what motivates me.”