Trent Alexander-Arnold found himself at the centre of discussion during the March international break despite injury ruling him out of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
Reports have finally revealed the inevitable, with the 26-year-old almost certain to leave Liverpool this summer and join Real Madrid. Naturally, the thought of the Scouser treading the path previously walked by Steve McManaman and Michael Owen has not gone down well on Merseyside.
Liverpool had already been dealt two sizeable blows prior to the international break as they were dumped out of the Champions League and beaten in the Carabao Cup final. The Reds are now seeking to move past on and off-field disappointment swiftly as they hunt Premier League glory.
Here is how they can do just that.
It sounds simple, right? Well, it certainly could be.
Liverpool already find themselves 12 points clear of Arsenal after the Gunners won their game in hand before the international break. They need another 16 points during their final nine matches to guarantee top spot – just five wins and a draw from their remaining fixtures. Dropped points for Arsenal in the coming weeks would also lower the total required.
The earliest the Reds can win the title is within the next three matches but it’s more likely that they will have to wait until the end of April or beginning of May to mathematically secure the crown – barring any disastrous implosion in the next few weeks.
Wrapping up the title as quickly as possible and eliminating any nerves around Anfield will allow Liverpool supporters to relax heading into the final games of the campaign and restore that feel-good factor. Every subsequent match can be celebrated with a party atmosphere, with the prospect of Alexander-Arnold’s exit pushed onto the periphery.
Conor Bradley could well be considered the long-term heir to Alexander-Arnold’s throne but Liverpool will undoubtedly aim to sign another right-back this summer. Whether that’s a guaranteed and established starter or another young talent capable of competing with the Northern Ireland international remains to be seen.
But Liverpool must swiftly identify their transfer targets – a list was likely compiled some time ago given Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation – and begin discussions over summer moves. The England international will be extremely difficult to replace but there are some impressive names who could help fill the void.
Alexander-Arnold will be sorely missed at Anfield next season, especially considering his status as local hero, but Liverpool can still appease supporters with contract renewals for their other stars. Both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are still on course to be free agents this summer and the Reds can’t afford to lose three hugely influential figures in one transfer window.
Alexander-Arnold’s exit will certainly enable funds to be poured into fresh terms for Salah and Van Dijk and there remains a chance that at least one of the exceptional duo put pen to paper.
Extending contracts for Salah and/or Van Dijk would undoubtedly raise morale among supporters and the playing squad, not to mention just how significant deals would be on the field come next season.
