‘Liverpool cannot sign replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold after exit’
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire in the summer but a big-name replacement arriving cannot happen, according to Jamie Carragher.
Alexander-Arnold missed Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final win over Tottenham on 6 February due to injury.
Despite his absence, the team secured a 4-0 victory, sending Arne Slot’s side to Wembley to face Newcastle.
Conor Bradley sent a message to Liverpool fans after his impressive display as he started in the England star’s place.
Carragher spoke on Sky Sports Main Event (6 February) about the possibility of Alexander-Arnold leaving, saying that if he does leave, Bradley “needs to be Liverpool’s right back” instead of signing a replacement.
He said: “If Trent was to move on, yeah you talk about big squads and two players for each [position] and you need to bring a defender in.
“I don’t think Liverpool should go and buy a big right-back for a lot of money. What that lad’s done whenever he’s come in and filled in for Trent, even last season, has been that good.
“If that’s his performance level, if that’s his level, there’s not many right-backs in the Premier League from what we’ve seen of Conor Bradley in his close to 40-50 appearances for Liverpool now.
“That lad needs to be given his head. He’s performed too well for someone else to come in and be the first-choice right-back.
“Maybe you’d bring in a utility player who could do a bit of right-back and centre-back, but Conor Bradley, if Trent moves on, needs to be Liverpool’s right-back.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold wanted by Real Madrid
Football Insider previously revealed that Alexander-Arnold hasn’t decided his Liverpool future despite interest from Real Madrid.
Football Insider Verdict
The Englishman has come through the ranks at Liverpool, but his future remains uncertain. With his contract set to expire in the summer, he could join a new club for free, and as of now, there has been no progress on renewing his deal.
The lure of playing alongside his friend Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid is strong, especially since it can be argued that he has already accomplished everything he can at his boyhood club.
Arne Slot to look to Conor Bradley as Liverpool replacement
Bradley has proven himself whenever called upon, starting eight of his 19 appearances this season and contributing two assists.
He was particularly influential in the third goal against Spurs, making a well-timed run from defence to assist Szoboszlai.
With the possibility of Alexander-Arnold leaving, the debate over whether he can be the long-term replacement has grown, especially following his impressive performances. Ultimately, it will be up to Slot to decide if the youngster is ready to fill Alexander-Arnold’s shoes.