A familiar Liverpool figure has lent his voice to the contract sagas at the club.
Despite how well the reds have performed this season, the news has been dominated by transfer rumours. Three of their best players are out of contract in the summer. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are yet to agree new deals at Anfield.
The three players have shown why they deserve better contracts so far. All three have been pivotal to this campaign. Despite maintaining the same set of players, this year has been remarkably better than last season. And most of this is down to how well Slot has coached, and how well Salah, Trent and Van Dijk have played.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Liverpool legend urges Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave
Since January, rumours have continued to surround Trent’s future. The defender has been linked with a move to Real Madrid since before the season began. It is believed that Trent has achieved everything he wants to, and is set for a new challenge. The latest report indicates that the 26-year old is willing to wait till the end of the season to make a decision on his future.
Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has now had his say on what Trent needs to do:
“For an offensive defender in an offensive team, you have more chances to make assists and to create situations in attack that will be good for him as a player. He is doing that at Liverpool so it is not a surprise but with Real Madrid you can guarantee he will do that for years.
“As a Liverpool fan you will say if he stays it is much better because he will give us something special but if he goes, as a Real Madrid kid all my life, it will be good for Real Madrid and him.”
Benitez spent six seasons at Liverpool, winning the Champions League and FA Cup among other trophies.
Reds need to step up their approach
Looking at the three players out of contract in the summer, Trent Alexander-Arnold should be the prioirty for the club. An academy graduate who loves the club and the city, and has won it all should prolong his stay. Liverpool cannot depend on trying to convince him with just words either. They need to show seriousness and intent.
The summer could not be a more perfect time for this. If the club’s plans are concrete enough, the reds might yet keep their best players. What Liverpool need to do is back Arne Slot with quality players ahead of next season. Maybe that might convince one of them to stay.
The money aspect should also not be forgotten. Trent Alexander-Arnold deserves to be paid like one of the best players in the league for all he has done so far.
