The curtain may be closing on Trent Alexander Arnold’s storied Liverpool career, but the right back delivered a performance worthy of the occasion during the title clinching win against Tottenham on 27 April. Reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement for the 26 year old, whose contract expires next month, yet there was no hint of distraction as he produced two assists in the 5 1 triumph that sealed Liverpool’s twentieth championship. Alexander Arnold created the opener with a trademark diagonal switch that Luis Diaz volleyed past Guglielmo Vicario, then whipped in a precise corner for Virgil van Dijk to head home Liverpool’s third. After the final whistle, he embraced boyhood friend Curtis Jones near the Kop and tapped the club crest before heading down the tunnel, fuelling speculation of a farewell. Arne Slot remained diplomatic when asked about the defender’s future. “Trent is Liverpool through and through, but football moves fast. Whatever happens next he deserves his place in club history.” Club officials have offered an improved five year deal, though insiders accept Real’s financial package and the allure of the Bernabeu may prove decisive. Fans greeted the victory lap with banners reading Stay One More Year and sang his name for a full eight minutes while the players collected their medals. Speaking on Sky Sports, former captain Jamie Carragher urged a rethink from both parties, citing Alexander Arnold’s growing influence in midfield zones under Slot’s 3 2 build up. Should he depart, he leaves with 2 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League medal, 2 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, a Club World Cup, and 79 assists across competitions. Madrid are believed to want the deal completed before the expanded Club World Cup in June, which would give the England international an immediate chance to add more silverware. Regardless of the outcome, his display in Liverpool’s crowning moment was a reminder of the creative spark that transformed the modern full back role.
