Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has had a difficult debut season at Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured a difficult first season at Real Madrid(Image: David S. Bustamante/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
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Liverpool will already be mapping out plans for next season as the summer transfer window draws closer. The Reds are targeting a Champions League place this campaign as the club approach the final stages of the season.
While it has been an inconsistent season for the reigning Premier League champions following their notable transfer business last year, it may prove advantageous in the long run. Several of Liverpool's signings will be hoping to progress in their second year at Anfield,but squad improvements are still required.
Mohamed Salah is expected to face continued speculation regarding his future as he enters the final year of his Liverpool contract. The experienced forward criticised manager Arne Slot after being dropped to the bench earlier this season and has since been linked with a high-profile switch to the Saudi Pro League.
Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has also endured a challenging first year in Spain. Here, ECHO Sport examines some of the major stories concerning the Reds.
Trent Alexander-Arnold regret
Alexander-Arnold opted to swap Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer, but the full-back has encountered numerous difficulties throughout his debut campaign, with fitness concerns and fierce competition for places restricting his playing time. The defender's comments upon leaving the Reds suggested some regret over how Liverpool fans viewed his decision.
"I completely understand the feelings that go with that [leaving Liverpool], and I've felt it myself, so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset," Alexander-Arnold said.
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"Obviously, that went into the decision as well – it's something you don't want to do, you don't want to ever have these moments where you feel like you're letting a lot of people down, you're disappointing a lot of people. But I've had to make a decision for me, it's as simple as that."
There had been reports that Real Madrid could offload the England international in the summer, though such claims have since been quashed. Newly appointed Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has spoken positively about the former Liverpool right-back during the start of his tenure.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
Mohamed Salah has received advice regarding his Liverpool future(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Mohamed Salah verdict
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has offered his opinion on Mohamed Salah's future, urging the Liverpool star to leave the club. The 33-year-old continues to contribute to Slot's side, despite failing to match his prolific scoring form from last season, yet Van der Vaart believes the moment has arrived for Salah to part ways with the Reds.
"When I look at Mohammed Salah and the position he plays on the pitch, he has lost that extra half yard and the pace is gone with age," he told Sky Bet. "When you look at Virgil van Dijk, age is less important for a defender."
He added: "Having a big player and a big name (like Salah) is sometimes a problem for both the player and coach. When you expect certain things as a coach from him and he doesn't do it, then of course you have the right to put him on the bench, but because it's Mohamed Salah, this can cause a massive issue – in every press conference every question will be on Salah.
"It could be best for both sides if Salah goes somewhere else in the summer."
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