LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool’s aspirations to secure a historic Premier League title remain unshaken despite ongoing speculation about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid, according to manager Arne Slot.
During the international break, various reports in the British media suggested that Real Madrid is in talks to acquire Alexander-Arnold, whose contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season, potentially making him available on a free transfer. Neither Liverpool nor Real Madrid has issued any official statements regarding these discussions.
Slot noted that the club has grown accustomed to the rumors surrounding Alexander-Arnold, as well as those involving Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, both of whom also face expiring contracts. “This situation has persisted for eight or nine months now,” he stated. “Yet, all three players have performed admirably despite the ongoing speculation, so it does not affect my outlook whatsoever.”
Slot emphasized that the conjecture around Alexander-Arnold has intensified due to his absence from recent England matches in World Cup qualifiers. The defender is currently recuperating from an ankle injury sustained during Liverpool’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain on March 11. Consequently, he will be absent for Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League face-off against local rivals Everton on Wednesday.
As the midweek fixtures approach, Liverpool sits 12 points ahead of second-place Arsenal with nine games left, aiming to clinch a 20th English league title and equal Manchester United’s record. “Trent is injured and his sole focus is on recovery,” Slot explained. “For us, that means assisting him in returning to form as quickly as possible. The team, on the other hand, remains concentrated on what must be done, which is winning matches.”
For Salah and Van Dijk, the immediate objective is to secure victory in the Merseyside derby, while for Alexander-Arnold, the priority is regaining full fitness. Having spent his entire professional career with Liverpool, the 26-year-old defender has garnered every major accolade with the club, including the Premier League and Champions League titles.