‘Liverpool targets to take note as Slot stabs Alexander-Arnold in the back’
Liverpool’s transfer targets will have taken note of the way that Arne Slot has treated Trent Alexander-Arnold on his way out of the club to Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old made his debut for the Reds back in October 2018, just two weeks after he had turned 18.
Seven years, 354 appearances, a boatload of titles and 33 England caps later, Alexander-Arnold is set to leave his boyhood club to join Real Madrid.
But rather than going out to rapturous applause, the 26-year-old has been met with a chorus of boos, especially during Liverpool‘s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
The Reds’ fanbase have had no problems with ordaining a new prince in the form of Conor Bradley, who has been routinely praised for his performances whilst Alexander-Arnold was side-lined with a muscular injury.
Speaking to Liverpool News, finance expert Dan Plumley revealed that Liverpool will “squeeze” Madrid for money if they are to allow the 26-year-old to leave before the end of his contract for the Club World Cup.
Arne Slot makes puzzling comments ahead of Alexander-Arnold’s send off
Ahead of Alexander-Arnold‘s final game for the only club he has ever played for, Slot revealed in his press conference he had been less than impressed with the fullbacks’ performances in training earlier in the season.
He said via The Times: “I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute how he was on the training ground.
“In my opinion, in certain moments, he could do a bit more, to say it mildly.”
The decision for Slot to turn on his defender in his final moments as a Liverpool player, knowing the strain Alexander-Arnold has been under, is puzzling, and possibly even quite nefarious.
Preaching to his own choir, the Dutch manager seems to be adding fuel to the fire, but the message he is sending may travel further than he wants it to.
Anfield boss plays risky game ahead of Real Madrid exit
The Reds will be busy this summer, despite claiming only their second ever Premier League title this season.
Jeremie Frimpong is a target to replace Alexander-Arnold at right-back, whilst Andy Robertson’s struggles have made Milos Kerkez a tempting option for Liverpool.
But now, agents and players may hesitate before committing to a move to Anfield, and could do in subsequent windows as well.
Knowing that, should they not do exactly as the club and manager want, they are liable to be thrown under the proverbial bus is the sort of thing that will not appeal to players with plenty of options.
Kerkez and Frimpong are two of the most in-demand players in world football, and Slot’s comments will likely be considered when they decide on whether to sign for Liverpool or move elsewhere.
The pair may decide Anfield is where they want to be either way, but agents will likely have taken notice and won’t forget in a hurry.