There was an inevitability that contract talks would dominate the agenda for Liverpool over the international break.
The Reds’ 17-day gap without a game meant that the news cycle would chart a different course in the wake of the Carabao Cup final loss, so the intensity and scrutiny that has surrounded Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah was bound to emerge.
There is optimism surrounding the latter pair, with reports indicating that the club’s captain and top scorer will pen new deals, even if Van Dijk has been the subject of a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. As for Salah, his desire to remain has been clear all season, as has the frustration that a new contract is yet to emerge.
But it’s Trent Alexander-Arnold who has dominated this week’s headlines. His situation and future took up around 25 minutes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher et al’s Stick to Football show that lasted just over an hour and was released on Thursday.
Despite the growing number of reports in recent days, from Liverpool’s perspective nothing has changed this week. The situation remains as it has been all season. Alexander-Arnold is a Liverpool player and nothing has yet been agreed with Real Madrid.
That said, the club are aware of the way the wind is blowing in this particular story and there’s an increasing acceptance that the club will need to sign a new right-back this summer.
Among the various names being discussed, Jeremie Frimpong is definitely one that has piqued interest in the last few days. Liverpool.com last week reported that Liverpool holds a genuine interest in the player and would consider a move if Alexander-Arnold were to depart.
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He also is expected to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer with a £33.5 million ($43.3 million) release clause inserted in his contract. Given Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are keen on the player, few are expecting him to remain at Leverkusen beyond the summer. Manchester City may even consider a move in the off-season.
But it’s Liverpool who has been most strongly linked this week, with claims even emerging that initial talks have been begun over a possible transfer. Liverpool.com understands that is wide of the mark at this stage.
That could change over the coming weeks and months, with it seeming almost certain that for the first time since 2018 Liverpool will have a new starting right-back next term. If it is Frimpong, that will result in a tactical shift given the Dutchman lacks Alexander-Arnold’s creativity, but is a natural and direct dribbler, something which is becoming increasingly valued in today’s game.
Arne Slot will also address the rumors and reports next Tuesday for the first time since that Wembley heartbreak, when he speaks to the media ahead of the clash against Everton at Anfield.
