Liverpool manager Arne Slot has insisted that his team remains fully focused on their Premier League title challenge despite growing speculation surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid.
The England international, who has been an integral part of Liverpool’s success over the years, has long been linked with a move to the Bernabeu.
Reports suggest that discussions between the 26-year-old right-back and the Spanish giants are progressing, with a free transfer looking increasingly likely at the end of the season.
Contract Uncertainty Looms Over Key Players
Alexander-Arnold is among three high-profile Liverpool stars whose contracts are set to expire in the summer, alongside Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and club captain Virgil van Dijk.
All three players have been free to negotiate with overseas clubs since January, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s squad for next season.
Despite this, Slot remains unfazed, emphasizing that his team is concentrating on their immediate goal—securing the Premier League title.
Liverpool, currently sitting 12 points clear at the top of the table with just nine games remaining, are in pole position to claim their first league title since 2020.
Speaking to reporters ahead of their Merseyside derby clash against Everton, Slot acknowledged the ongoing speculation but reiterated his focus on the team’s objectives.
Alexander-Arnold Focused on Recovery
Alexander-Arnold has been sidelined with an injury, missing England’s recent international fixtures. Slot revealed that the right-back is fully committed to his rehabilitation process.
“His situation is, unfortunately, that he is injured; otherwise, people would probably be talking about him delivering one or two brilliant performances for England,” Slot said on Tuesday. “But he’s injured, and for him, that means he is fully focused on his recovery. For us, that means we are trying to help him get back as soon as possible.”
Slot also addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding his key players, stressing that such talks have been present for months and have not distracted the squad.
“For the past eight months, there have been all kinds of talks about him, Virgil, or Mo,” he added. “But we have never been focused on those talks; we have always been focused on what we have to do.”
“For Virgil and Mo, that means trying to win the Merseyside derby. For Trent, it’s making sure he can get fit as soon as possible.”
Liverpool’s Resilience Amid Speculation
Despite the looming contract uncertainty, Liverpool have continued their dominant form in the Premier League. The Reds are in a strong position to secure the title, boasting a comfortable lead over second-placed Arsenal with just nine games left to play.
Slot expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to maintain their composure, regardless of transfer rumors.
“It’s a situation that has been there for eight or nine months now, and all three players have performed so well under these circumstances, so it doesn’t affect me at all,” Slot said.
Liverpool’s upcoming match against Everton will be their first since their League Cup final defeat to Newcastle United and their Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. However, Slot remains optimistic about his team’s prospects.
“We are all looking forward to the upcoming nine games,” he said. “The players are refreshed, in my opinion.”
Reflecting on their recent setbacks, Slot remained positive, emphasizing that his team had shown quality even in defeat.
“We played a final against a very good Newcastle team, and we had one great game while defending well against PSG,” he added. “We got beaten by a very, very, very good team, but what a game we played as well.”
Slot’s Return to the Touchline
The Merseyside derby will mark Slot’s return to the touchline in the Premier League after serving a two-match ban. The suspension followed his red card during a heated 2-2 draw at Everton’s Goodison Park in February.
Reflecting on the incident, Slot admitted that he hopes to handle similar situations better in the future but made no guarantees.
“I’m hoping I will act differently next time, but I can’t promise,” he said. “But what I’m also sure about is that I would be so surprised if I ever experienced eight minutes of so many controversial decisions to our disadvantage again.”
As Liverpool prepare to face Everton, the focus remains on securing another three points and edging closer to the Premier League title.
While speculation about Alexander-Arnold’s future continues to dominate headlines, Slot and his team are determined to stay on course.
With nine crucial matches remaining, the Reds are in control of their destiny, but questions surrounding their star players’ futures will likely persist until the end of the season.
Whether Alexander-Arnold, Salah, or Van Dijk decide to extend their stay at Anfield or seek new challenges elsewhere, one thing remains certain—Liverpool’s immediate goal is to lift the Premier League trophy once again.
