Liverpool manager Arne Slot has joked that he’s sending a “gift” to Xabi Alonso, and that gift is none other than Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Trent is all set to leave Anfield as a free agent after spending almost 20 years at the club, according to reports (via Fabrizio Romano). A true Liverpool boy, now on his way out.
From the start of this season, the right back had only one destination in mind: Real Madrid. His contract runs out in summer 2025, and the deal looks all set to be completed.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have already moved quickly to fill the gap. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong has completed his move from Bayer Leverkusen. He’s just waiting for the transfer window to open and make his move to Anfield.
On the other side, with Carlo Ancelotti stepping down, Xabi Alonso is lined up to take charge of Real Madrid from the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
The former Liverpool midfielder has done an incredible job in Germany, leading an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2023/24. Frimpong was one of his key players in that team.
Trent was expected to join Madrid in July, but Alonso wants him earlier, in June, ahead of the Club World Cup.
According to reports via ESPN, Real Madrid have offered €1 million to Liverpool to bring him in before the tournament.
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What Arne Slot said about Trent Alexander-Arnold?
Arne Slot didn’t hold back and said, “Trent Alexander Arnold is going to leave anyway. So why not leave him out, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.”
The Dutchman also spoke about Trent’s effort levels in training. “In my opinion, there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly. I told him he’s a much better defender than people think, but you don’t show it all the time.”
That shows Trent has the quality, but he doesn’t always reflect it in training.
These statements clearly show what Arne Slot thinks about Trent, his vision for the future, and the respect he has while letting go of Liverpool’s iconic No. 66.
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