Liverpool’s Premier League title procession was the only story in town on Sunday. Actually, it felt like the only story in every town, such was the widespread national media coverage of the 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
There was no room for any side stories as Liverpool secured top spot in the Premier League, which very much suited Trent Alexander-Arnold. The defender returned to the Anfield pitch on Sunday for the first time since March 11, when he was forced off with an ankle injury against Paris Saint-Germain.
A lot has changed since then, including the intensifying of reports linking him with a summer move to Real Madrid, leaving his boyhood club for free in the process. Any other weekend this season, the news that Alexander-Arnold was returning to the starting XI in place of the injured Conor Bradley would have piqued the interest of viewers.
In reality, his return turned into a rather low-key event. Perhaps there was a little less cheering from the stands as his name was read out, but he was still serenaded with his ‘the Scouser in our team’ chant from fans. That song rang out across Anfield as he lapped up his own individual recognition in front of The Kop at full-time.
Every Liverpool player had their own little moment of appreciation as they one by one stepped forward – that Alexander-Arnold seemed sheepish and a tad reluctant maybe gave a hint of where his head is currently at.
Another indication came when the club decided to hold him back from media duties. The majority of Liverpool’s senior players spoke to the press as part of the title celebrations. That Alexander-Arnold didn’t at the very least says the club is keen to keep him out of the limelight.
But Liverpool’s no.66 celebrated on the pitch with his team-mates as normal, dancing with Andy Robertson, jumping on Ibrahima Konate ’s back, while a video posted by the player on social media showed him singing and celebrating with teammates in the dressing room. For now, he’s very much enjoying being a Red still.
He showed that with a social media post on Monday that read: “For the City. For the Fans” along with photos of the players. The two posts across Sunday and Monday celebrating the title win, along with another acknowledging his winning goal at Leicester the week, are the height of his activity on X this calendar year.
Cody Gakpo also inadvertently stirred up fans’ hopes by mentioning Alexander-Arnold alongside Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who have penned new deals in the last few weeks. “Now with Mo and Virgil staying, and hopefully Trent as well, they can keep building,” said the Dutch forward.
Alexander-Arnold was seen conversing with club owner John W. Henry during the festivities – oh, how fans would love to know the details of that conversation. Either way, they’ll know soon enough if the England international is set to stay or leave, finally ending the last bit of drama and intrigue the 2024/25 season has remaining.
