So, the worst fears of Liverpool fans were confirmed on Tuesday with the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave for Real Madrid in the summer. After months of speculation, the 26-year-old has reportedly agreed on a five-year deal with the La Liga giants, ending a two-decade-long association with his boyhood club.
Arne Slot does have cover in that department via youngster Conor Bradley. However, losing the England star will still be perceived as a hammer blow given his all-round ability. And it presents the Dutchman with a void to fill if the stats from the current Premier League season are anything to go by.
Alexander-Arnold currently leads the way in terms of ‘progressing passing’ in the 2024/25 campaign. That development further scrutinises his departure, with his range of passing currently critical to Liverpool’s title charge.
His total of 64 assists in the top flight is also a record amount for a defensive player. Indeed, such is his prowess going forward that Alexander-Arnold inverted into midfield at times under Jurgen Klopp and also played there for England at Euro 2024.
It’s an issue that Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes must almost certainly address in the summer transfer window. Indeed, Alexander-Arnold limping off injured in the recent Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain proved a major turning point, with the player seemingly dictating his side’s display before going down.
Replacing him won’t be simple for he Reds. Their situation for next season could get more harrowing, with Mohamed Salah and club captain Virgil van Dijk yet to sign new deals.
Salah’s impact is also emphasised by the Premier League stats. As well as scoring 27 league goals, he also joins Anthony Gordon in producing the best balance between passing and carrying the ball this season.
With doubts also surfacing over the futures of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, Slot can ill-afford to lose another of his main attacking weapons. The Merseyside still look odds-on to take the title, given they have a 12-point lead over Arsenal, but as soon as the dust settles on the inevitable celebrations, Slot and Hughes have serious matters to address ahead of 2025/26.