Why Alexander-Arnold Must Take Ownership of Liverpool Contract Mess – ‘He can’t have it both ways’ | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold: Taking Ownership Amid Real Madrid Speculation

As 2025 dawns, Liverpool fans find themselves at a crossroads, debating the future of one of their own: Trent Alexander-Arnold. The latest episode of Big Decisions, hosted by Hari Sethi and Dave Davis on Anfield Index, tackled the elephant in the room: Real Madrid’s interest in Liverpool’s homegrown star.

Real Madrid’s January Move and Liverpool’s Response

It was during a quiet New Year’s Eve when the bombshell dropped. As Dave Davis recounted, “Liverpool have rebuffed, rejected—not even a bid, but an inquiry—from Real Madrid to take Trent Alexander-Arnold across to Madrid in January.” This emphatic rejection set social media alight, sparking fervent speculation and debate among fans and pundits alike.

The timing of this revelation is telling. Hari Sethi highlighted, “I find it very difficult to believe that this would have been made without some encouragement coming from the player’s camp… or even just as a bit of a power move.” It’s a sobering thought for Liverpool fans, who are still adjusting to life under new manager Arne Slot following Jurgen Klopp’s departure in 2024.

Ownership of The Narrative

The podcast delved into the optics of Trent’s situation. Sethi lamented, “Rather than shy away from any media whatsoever, allowing the vacuum to build… imagine if he’d come out and said, ‘My focus is completely on the Premier League title and winning the Champions League with Liverpool.’” Such a statement, Hari argued, would have gone a long way in quelling unrest and restoring faith.

Dave Davis echoed these sentiments, noting the importance of taking charge of the narrative. “The silence is deafening,” he said. “If Trent came out and just said, ‘I’m giving everything for the rest of the season; long-term though, this is what I want to do,’ people might not like it, but there would be some understanding.”

The Balancing Act For Scouse Icon

Alexander-Arnold’s situation is unique. A local lad turned global superstar, his story is intertwined with Liverpool’s identity. As Sethi put it, “There’s so much romance about his connection to the club… It’s a really wonderful story to see someone come through the academy and become the world-class talent that he has.”

But with this connection comes a higher standard. Dave Davis pointed out the tension: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too. If you’re running down your contract to leave on a free, you can’t retain the image of the local lad who loves the Kop.” This duality, he argued, risks undermining the very identity that has endeared Trent to the fans.

What The Future Holds

As Liverpool fight for silverware under Slot’s leadership, the spotlight on Trent Alexander-Arnold will only intensify. Jamie Carragher, a vocal critic of contract disputes, weighed in on the matter, stating, “The club don’t need it. It’s a distraction.” While some may view Carragher’s comments as divisive, his core message resonates: Liverpool need clarity and focus as they push forward.

Trent’s decision—whether to commit his future to Liverpool or pursue a new chapter at Real Madrid—will shape not only his legacy but also the trajectory of the club. As Hari Sethi aptly summarised, “Momentum is everything. Liverpool need to maintain it heading into 2025.”

Conclusion: Decision Time

The Big Decisions podcast has provided a crucial platform to dissect the complexities of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation. Sethi and Davis have illuminated the stakes, and the burden now falls squarely on Trent’s shoulders to take ownership of the narrative.

For Liverpool fans, the hope remains that this story will end in a way befitting their Scouse prodigy—on a high note, with trophies in hand and a legacy intact.