Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed what all of us lengthy knew, that he won’t be a Liverpool participant past this season – and his exit creates quite a lot of subplots to contemplate.
The worst-kept secret in soccer is out within the open, with Alexander-Arnold saying his 20-year affiliation with the membership will finish as soon as the curtain falls on the season.
It’s a choice that results in loads of concerns within the weeks and months to return, and listed here are 5 on the prime of that listing.
Ought to he play?
Alexander-Arnold has began the final two matches however with nothing for Liverpool to achieve with him that includes, is there any want for Slot to have him beginning video games – and even be on the pitch?
The 26-year-old has chosen his path and now the membership have each proper to decide on theirs.
It’s a debate that will likely be argued from all sides however why not give Bradley the prospect to carry out with out the strain on his shoulders and present he can maintain back-to-back-to-back begins.
Slot has to look to the longer term, there isn’t any want for sentimentality.
An end-of-season tribute – studying the room
We’ve got come to count on a guard of honour and a presentation for departing gamers when it’s identified upfront, as we did for the likes of Gini Wijnaldum, Divock Origi, Joel Matip and Thiago.
That is a rare case, although, and Liverpool want to make sure they learn the room.
It might be a special story totally if Joe Gomez, for instance, made it clear this was his final season, however past that the final day should focus solely on celebrating the league title.
In the event that they wish to current Alexander-Arnold with a token of his time on the membership, it’s best served doing so behind closed doorways. Certainly even he’ll know that may be greatest.
Bradley’s contract negotiations
Liverpool have been holding talks with Bradley over a brand new contract and his bargaining energy simply grew to become stronger as he’s at present the only real specialist senior right-back.
He, like others, may have been watching on with curiosity over the end result of talks with Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Alexander-Arnold – the latter of which opens up a door of alternative.
Bradley had but to make his league debut when he signed his most up-to-date deal in late 2023 and will likely be in search of improved phrases to mirror his growth and standing within the aspect.
The Reds, nonetheless, will likely be cautious of his damage document and that can actually come up in discussions and their ideas heading into the summer time switch window.
A vice-captaincy emptiness
For those who’d forgotten Alexander-Arnold held the title of vice-captain you might be forgiven given his lack of presence all through the season as he hid behind mulling over his future.
His exit opens the door for a brand new vice-captain to be named, nonetheless, and Liverpool aren’t quick on candidates who will thrive within the function and stand as much as the obligations it entails.
Salah is the apparent candidate to work alongside Van Dijk, as he does already with out the official title, whereas Alisson, Andy Robertson and Alexis Mac Allister should be within the reckoning.
Jurgen Klopp determined off his personal again in 2023 and it is going to be intriguing to see if Slot does the identical or opens it as much as a vote among the many squad.
Sourcing a substitute
The duty of changing a generational right-back just isn’t a simple one and, in lots of respects, you may’t.
Bradley is an current possibility, however past him you might be asking centre-backs and midfielders to must drop into the place. We should additionally take into consideration what number of video games the Northern Irishman misses.
Tottenham‘s Pedro Porro is a reputation who may match the invoice, however would Spurs even think about a deal, and there are additionally the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Tino Livramento, Lutsharel Geertruida or Givairo Learn.
It won’t be a direct substitute on the subject of Alexander-Arnold’s creativity from full-back, however Liverpool do want one other dependable possibility shifting into subsequent season and past.
