Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer, is ‘amazed’ at the manner in which Liverpool have handled Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract. The right-back’s deal is set to expire at the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold has cemeted a reputation as one of the best full-backs in world football in recent years and was crucial to the success enjoyed by the Reds under Jurgen Klopp.
Despite his legendary status and popularity with the Anfield crowd, the 26-year-old’s future is far from secure at the club. As it stands, an extension is not imminent and Real Madrid have been strongly linked with a move for the England international.
Speaking to Betfair about the current state of play for Alexander-Arnold, Shearer said he was shocked at how things have played out.
It would be crazy if the local boy was to leave Liverpool though, with his future still very much uncertain,” he said. “The problem is, so long as he hasn’t signed his new contract, we’ll keep talking about the links with Real Madrid or elsewhere.
“We’re all amazed Liverpool have let it run down this far in terms of how long he has left on his contract, and bearing in mind in January, you can go and speak to other clubs, It’s a risky situation.
It’s one we’ll continue to talk about until it’s resolved, one way or the other, but it must be a priority for Liverpool to get him tied down.”
If Liverpool did not agree fresh terms with Alexander-Arnold before January 1 then he would be free to negotiate a pre-contract with clubs overseas with a view to moving on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Real Madrid signed Kylian Mbappe using the same method, while Alexander-Arnold’s close friend Jude Bellingham is also on Los Blancos’ books.
Alexander-Arnold is set to return to action for the Reds on Sunday when they host Chelsea at Anfield.
