Liverpool, England, April 1, 2025 – Liverpool manager Arne Slot has downplayed reports linking Trent Alexander-Arnold with a move to Real Madrid, emphasizing the club's unwavering focus on securing the Premier League title. The England defender is one of three key Liverpool players, along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the season, allowing them to negotiate with overseas clubs since January.
Slot's Confidence
Despite swirling rumors of advanced talks between Alexander-Arnold, 26, and Real Madrid, Slot remains unfazed. Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Merseyside derby clash with Everton, Slot addressed the situation: "His situation is, unfortunately, that he is injured, otherwise people would have probably spoken about him that he had one or two brilliant performances for the England team. But he’s injured and for him that means he is fully focused on his recovery and for us that means we are trying to help him to be back as soon as he can."
Contract Speculation
Slot acknowledged the ongoing speculation surrounding Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, and Salah but insisted it hasn't affected the team's performance. "For the rest, of course, for eight months it went a bit up and down maybe, with all kinds of talks about him, Virgil or Mo. But we have never been focused on those talks, we have always been focused on what we have to do. For Virgil and Mo that is trying to win the Merseyside derby, and for Trent it is making sure he is can get fit as soon as he can.”
Title Ambitions
Liverpool currently sit 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with just nine games remaining, making them strong favorites to lift the Premier League trophy. Slot emphasized the team's determination to capitalize on their position. "It’s a situation that is there for eight or nine months now and all these three players have performed so well under these circumstances so it doesn’t affect me at all."
Upcoming Fixtures
The match against Everton marks Liverpool's return to league action following the international break and their League Cup final defeat to Newcastle and Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain. Slot is confident that the team is refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead. "We are all looking so much forward to the upcoming nine games. The players are refreshed in my opinion."
Touchline Return
Slot will be back on the touchline for the derby after serving a two-match ban stemming from a red card he received during a contentious 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in February. "I’m hoping I will act differently next time, but I can’t promise," he said, adding, "But what I’m also sure about is that I would be so surprised if I ever would experience eight minutes of so many controversial decisions to our disadvantage again."