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Liverpool warned of Trent Alexander-Arnold's 'suffering' as Real Madrid wait in the wings
Liverpool have been warned that Trent Alexander-Arnold might 'suffer' as he speculation over his future mounts.
Liverpool have been warned that a lengthy search for a new manager could risk them losing Trent Alexander-Arnold. Former goalkeeper David James believes the England international could ‘suffer’ if he signs a new contract before the Reds announce Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract expires in the summer of 2025. The Anfield hierarchy will not want to risk the right-back entering the final 12 months of his deal.
While it seems likely that Alexander-Arnold will extend his contract with boyhood club Liverpool, Real Madrid have been loosely linked with a blockbuster transfer. James says the 25-year-old will avoid penning fresh terms to avoid ‘suffering’ if he is not suited to the next manager’s style.
“I love Trent. When you look at his career, he came from nowhere to playing in European Cup finals whilst increasing his level of performance,” the 53-year-old told Betfred.
“He then went through a period of being criticised by the media but has come through that and has been back to his best this season and is arguably the first name on Liverpool’s teamsheet. So I think it’s very important that he does stay because he’s gone through the tough times and hopefully he wants to be part of a very successful time again for Liverpool.
“For Trent at the moment, he can’t commit to anything long-term because he’s unaware of which manager is going to come to Anfield to replace Jurgen Klopp.
“People may say if you love the club then it doesn’t matter who’s there, but if you’re as footballing intelligent as Trent is, then you will be aware that some managers who are being linked with the job at the moment get their teams to play in a certain way that doesn’t suit him and therefore he could end up suffering if he signs a contract now.
“The sooner that Liverpool finds a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, then the sooner that these contract issues with Trent and Mo Salah can be dealt with.”
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Liverpool face a rush to agree new deals with Alexander-Arnold and Salah, with both set to see their current terms end in 2025. Salah has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Reds hope that both players will feature as part of their next manager’s plans. It is unclear who Liverpool will appoint as Klopp’s successor.
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso remains the favourite for the job. However, the highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen tactician is also wanted by Bayern Munich, who have announced that Thomas Tuchel will step down at the end of the campaign.