Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed confidence that Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain fully focused on his role at the club, despite ongoing speculation about his future.
The England right-back, who is out of contract this summer, has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, with reports indicating that the Spanish giants have made an approach, although no formal offer has been made.
Despite the rumors surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s future, Slot has assured fans and the media that the 26-year-old will continue to be a key figure in Liverpool’s starting lineup, particularly in their upcoming Premier League match against Manchester United this weekend.
“I can tell you that he’s playing on Sunday, and hopefully, he’ll bring the same performances as he’s brought in the last half year,” Slot said, reflecting on the player’s recent form.
“I think everybody saw how great a first half of the season he had, how much he is here, how much he wants to win here.”
Slot, who took over the managerial position at Anfield earlier this season, has praised Alexander-Arnold’s work ethic and commitment, both on and off the field. “I see him on the training ground, working every day. He is fully committed to us, and he will play on Sunday,” the manager added.
The speculation about Alexander-Arnold’s future comes as Liverpool face several players in the final six months of their contracts, including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
While rumors about potential departures have swirled, Slot remains unconcerned, stating that outside talk should not impact the focus of his players.
“If it would destabilise players at Liverpool if other people talk about them, then we would really have a problem,” Slot explained.
“If you play at one of the biggest clubs in the world, everybody always talks about you, sometimes in relation to other clubs. That happens so many times for our players.”
In the last six months, several of Liverpool’s star players have been the subject of transfer rumors, but Slot has remained steadfast in his belief that the talk has not affected the team’s performances.
“We’ve had some talks about our players also in the last six months, and I don’t think that destabilised them at all,” Slot remarked.
As the January transfer window opens, Liverpool’s management will be keen to retain their key players, especially with the club still aiming for a strong finish in the Premier League and European competitions.
Alexander-Arnold, who has been a standout performer for the Reds, is expected to play a vital role in the team’s ambitions as they face off against rivals Manchester United this weekend.
With Slot’s unwavering confidence in Alexander-Arnold’s commitment, it appears that the defender will continue to focus on delivering high-quality performances for Liverpool, regardless of any transfer speculation.
