Trent Alexander-Arnold has is said to have identified his successor at Liverpool as he prepares for a move to Real Madrid. The 26-year-old right-back, who has been with the Reds since the 2017-18 season, is reported to have agreed on a five-year deal worth over $280,000 per week with the LaLiga champions, with the transfer set to be finalised on July 1.
Since his contract with Liverpool is due to expire this summer, Alexander-Arnold has been free to negotiate with clubs outside the UK since January. Despite an approach from Real in January, Liverpool has remained silent on the matter. However, it seems that an agreement has been reached with the England international.
The challenge now for Liverpool is finding a suitable replacement. Since Jurgen Klopp’s tenure and continuing under Arne Slot, Alexander-Arnold has been the first-choice right-back.
However, the rise of Conor Bradley, 21, has provided a credible alternative. Bradley’s performances, including against Real in the Champions League, have earned him praise and could see him step into Alexander-Arnold’s shoes.
Alexander-Arnold has been vocal about the abundant talent within Liverpool’s ranks, highlighting a few names that fans should keep an eye on. During an interview with Sky Sports, he expressed his confidence in the potential successors waiting in the wings.
He said, “I like to speak to all these kind of lads, [Jarell] Quansah involved as well. But I speak mostly to Conor obviously, being in the same position. I like to play 90 minutes but I know how good he is and I trust in him to get the job done and to help the team win the game.”
Many Liverpool fans seem to echo Arne Slot’s sentiments who agreed with Alexander-Arnold’s assessment, remarking: “I think it’s going to be a bright future for him because he’s a very good player and very good players [are] what we need here at Liverpool. He’s done – last season especially – really well when he had to replace Trent, and now Trent has played a lot.
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“But he is a very good player and although he has big competition from Trent, normally very good players find their way into the team. That’s what I also expect with him in the future at this club.”
The Merseyside derby looms as Liverpool prepare to welcome Everton to Anfield, with Alexander-Arnold and Bradley both expected to miss out through injury. With Joe Gomez also remaining sidelined, Quansah could again find himself deputizing in the right back role.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continues to be linked with Jeremie Frimpong as another alternative to Alexander-Arnold. The Dutchman has shone at Bayer Leverkusen, although he does usually play further forward than the full-back position.
