Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impending move to Real Madrid is bad news for Liverpool, but it could be made even worse if Mohamed Salah follows him out of the exit door this summer.
The right-back looks to be on the verge of completing a move to the Bernabeu, with reports coming to a head on Tuesday after months of speculation. There have been suggestions that terms have already been agreed on a free transfer, while other outlets claim a deal is yet to be finalized, but the saga does seem to be drawing to an inevitable conclusion.
That will come as a huge blow to Arne Slot, who is already facing a big summer as Liverpool needs to make some significant signings across various areas. Sporting director Richard Hughes’ workload could increase further if Salah and Virgil van Dijk end up following Alexander-Arnold out of the exit door.
Both have been more outspoken on their futures than their teammate this season, although neither have managed to come to an agreement with Liverpool yet. Salah in particular has dropped numerous hints that he may be in his final year at Anfield, which would be a devastating situation for Reds fans.
And Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Spain may not help Liverpool’s hopes of securing a new deal for the Egyptian. The pair are good friends, and have spoken on a few occasions this season about their relationship, which has grown during their time at Anfield.
(Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA, Getty Images)
Asked by Stadium Astro in December to name his best friend in the Liverpool squad, Alexander-Arnold chose Salah. “I’d say Mo if I’m honest, I’d say me and Mo, how long we’ve known each other and how long we’ve played together. Our bond and connection especially on the pitch,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“We just understand the way we play, we never moan at each other. We just respect each other’s style of play. Sometimes I overlap and he ignores me, but I know if I don’t pass to him he’s thinking the same thing.”
And the feeling is mutual, with Salah naming Alexander-Arnold among his best friends in soccer when speaking to TNT Sports in January.
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“I like Trent a lot but he’s crazy,” Salah said. “He doesn’t like to talk but I love him. Robbo [Andy Robertson] more for talking, Trent for listening.”
The pair have developed a crucial partnership down Liverpool’s right-hand side over the years, and represent the Reds’ most creative outlets. Losing both would therefore be a monumental blow to the club, and leave Slot and Hughes with a massive hole to fill.
Liverpool fans will be hoping Salah’s friendship with Alexander-Arnold doesn’t sway him too much in his contract negotiations, or else they could be facing up to losing another big name this summer.
