Liverpool

Mike Hughes
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

Image source, PA Media

It is nothing new to see Liverpool fans celebrating. They have been doing it for much of the season and in the past week or so, it has gone up a gear or two.

But these days they are even jumping up and down and cheering their team on when they lose.

It was no surprise to see the Chelsea fans in delirious mood when referee Simon Hooper blew the final whistle at Stamford Bridge. Not only had they beaten the champions, they had given themselves a really decent chance of securing Champions League football for next season.

But with the Reds' travelling army seemingly still overjoyed, perhaps it serves to underline the fact that it is difficult to make it seem like things matter, when they do not really matter at all.

Arne Slot is 100 per cent correct when he said that nothing good ever comes from losing a football match and it is something Liverpool supporters have not had to face up to very often this season. But with all the hard work done a week earlier, it is no surprise that there was a lack of intensity at times and a shortage of the killer instinct that has been their hallmark this season.

Maybe it is the price you pay for becoming champions with four games to spare, but do not be surprised if something a bit more like normal service is resumed on Sunday when Arsenal visit Anfield.

On paper, it is another game that does not matter. But when you come face to face with the team that have been highlighted as your main title challengers, then there is more at stake than just three points.

After Slot made it clear that he intended to rotate his squad, perhaps we should not have been surprised by the make-up of the starting XI against Chelsea. He is right to reward those players that have played a part in their title success, but have not started as many games as they would have liked. Whether the changes are as wide-ranging against Arsenal remains to be seen.

There is also a question about Trent Alexander-Arnold, now that his plans for the future have been revealed. Should he be taken out of the starting XI because he will soon be leaving? Or should he get the chance to say a proper farewell by playing a significant part in his final two matches at Anfield?

The final call rests with Slot. When it comes to making big decisions this season, I cannot think of too many that he has got wrong.

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Liverpool enter the summer as champions but talk of changes to the squad is widespread.

So we want to know if the Reds could sign a player in just one area, what do you deem a priority?

Make a choice

And send us your reasoning but remember you have to pick one area to strengthen only

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With Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool departure at the end of the season now confirmed, discussions are already turning to who might be able to replace the 26-year-old.

While right-back Conor Bradley has impressed when stepping up in Alexander-Arnold's absence, is he ready to do so full-time?

If the Reds do decide to look elsewhere, here are three options they could consider...

Ninad Barbadikar
Football tactics writer

Image source, Getty Images

Guela Doue is 32 games into his second full season of senior football in Ligue 1, but is already making plenty of waves at Strasbourg under 40-year-old former Hull manager Liam Rosenior.

After breaking through in the 2023-24 season at Rennes, Doue has demonstrated his versatility since his switch to Strasbourg.

The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international - brother of Paris St-Germain winger Desire - is a right-back who is well capable of playing as a wide centre-back in a three or as a right wing-back.

Doue's strengths lie in his ability to defend in one-against-one duels with intensity and move the ball upfield with his passes and carries. When he gets the opportunity to bomb forward at right-back, he can show a bit of flair on the ball.

The versatile defender has averaged 6.7 progressive carries with the ball this season in Ligue 1, standing only behind Diego Moreira at Strasbourg.

Like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Doue likes receiving the ball deeper in his own half before progressing the ball further up the pitch with long passes forward to his winger or striker.

Doue would be ideal for Slot's backline if they plan to bring in an adventurous full-back on the other side - Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez has been strongly linked with a move.

Read more from Barbadikar on how Liverpool could replace Alexander-Arnold

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Ninad Barbadikar
Football tactics writer

Image source, Getty Images

Nicknamed the 'Danish Beckham' of Ajax, Anton Gaaei has progressed quickly to become the first-choice right-back this season under Francesco Farioli.

The 21-year-old, who joined Ajax after three seasons in the Danish Superliga with Viborg, has two goals and four assists in 23 Eredivisie appearances this term.

What immediately stands out about Gaaei is both the quality and variety of his crossing.

He is able to generate a lot of power with his right boot to cross the ball from deeper areas or hit the byline and cut back into the box too. His trademark is a low cross hit diagonally to go past defenders to connect with on-rushing team-mates.

He did exactly that in the most recent 'De Klassieker' between Ajax and Feyenoord to set up the winner late in added time.

Besides his crossing ability, Gaaei continues to improve on the defensive side of his game, which is helped by his excellent burst of pace in tracking back as well as making useful off-the-ball runs beyond his winger.

Entrusted with taking set-pieces as well, the young Dane benefits from Ajax's dominant style of play, which sees him generate about five crosses per match.

Still only in his second season in Dutch football, recruiting Gaaei would very much be a project signing for Liverpool but one that could well pay off in the long run.

Read more from Barbadikar on how Liverpool could replace Alexander-Arnold

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Ninad Barbadikar
Football tactics writer

Image source, Getty Images

The youngest player of the three potential options - and arguably the one with the greatest potential - is Martim Fernandes, who has impressed many since breaking into the Porto first team this season.

In 23 league appearances, Fernandes has five assists to his name and at just 19 years of age, is already a key creative cog in the side.

He enjoys playing on the front foot and much like Trent Alexander-Arnold, he is an excellent crosser of the ball, adept at delivering into dangerous zones inside the opposition's six-yard box.

It is no wonder he is averaging an expected assists (xA) per match figure of 0.3 in the Portuguese top flight, a hugely impressive figure considering his age.

The young Portuguese provides an option on the flanks by playing high and wide up the pitch when Porto are attacking but is also capable of adding variety by making darting runs for the centre-backs to pass to, beyond the last defensive line of the opposition.

The Porto number 52 shows promising movement while underlapping or overlapping to hit the byline to cross, and can manoeuvre in tight spaces to curl a cross into the box, much as Alexander-Arnold does.

In the Liga Portugal this term, Fernandes has averaged an impressive 3.65 crosses per match.

His composure on the ball under pressure is impressive - and he has an excellent engine for the defensive side of the game. Fernandes makes for an excellent raw talent who could fit the Alexander-Arnold mould for Liverpool.

Read more from Barbadikar on how Liverpool could replace Alexander-Arnold

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Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, including Wolves. (Talksport, external)

Federico Chiesa could be on his way out of Liverpool this summer, with AC Milan and Napoli interested in the forward. (Calciomercato - in Italian, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Is Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving for a new challenge, for money or were Liverpool not giving him what he wanted or asked for?

"There are many parts to this," said pundit Pat Nevin on BBC Radio 5's Monday Night Club, when discussing all the different elements that culminate in a situation like Alexander-Arnold's.

"Yes, you want to learn about your capabilities of playing in different teams, different countries and different places but…the money is handy. Nobody has mentioned the money and if you are going at the end of your contract you are going to make a huge, huge sum of money.

"If he stayed at Liverpool he'd make massive amount of money as well. But if you run your contract down and leave at the end of that it's setting you up for life, and a couple of other lives after that as well. I understand why he's doing it, there's a variety of reasons, but let's be open about all of them."

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton added: "I take Pat's point to a point about the money but I think he would have been setup at Liverpool anyway. I think it's more about the challenge. He's been at the club for 20 years and won everything and done everything.

"I totally understand what he is thinking and I think most fair minded people in football would all accept he's been a brilliant player for Liverpool and we often say this about Real Madrid when they come calling - can players turn them down?

"This smells like it has been a long time in the making. The contract situation is fascinating because once players get into two years and below, it's really up to the club to act and force that situation where they can't get to him leaving on a free."

New York Times chief football correspondent Rory Smith says Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure from Liverpool is "a double blow" for fans because not only is he leaving his boyhood club but he is leaving for free.

Smith formed part of the debate on Monday Night Club about the online criticism of Alexander-Arnold's exit and whether it extends into the stands at Anfield.

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton added: "Could it be a dangerous thing in the long run with young Liverpool-born players, who have that attachment to the club, feel the club progressed them and go on to a good level, then feel 'I better leave early? They might be thinking 'I don't wan to go through the same thing'.

"It's quite a strange thing to think in that particular way. I was racking my brain to think where is this situation with Trent come from?"

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

I knew it was going to happen, but I am angrier than I thought I would be.

Heading to Real Madrid for a challenge and to get out of your comfort zone? Do me a favour. It is the easiest club to play for in the world. You are going to win something almost every season, regardless of how well you do.

And the thing that really grates is this: Real Madrid are Liverpool's rivals.

They have beaten us twice in Champions League finals which Trent Alexander-Arnold played in.

He was in red when Sergio Ramos injured Mo Salah and Loris Karius in 2018. And with the new Champions League format, you can guarantee the two sides will meet at least a few times in the next five to six years.

It is not Sol Campbell going from Tottenham to Arsenal, but he is still joining a legitimate rival.

Why? Liverpool have just won the Premier League. How can a Scouser who stood on the pitch and saw the celebrations in Anfield last Sunday believe he is better off elsewhere?

Obviously, he is entitled to make his own decisions, but it is silly. He has tarnished a legacy and will never be looked at the same by the fans.

Salah and Virgil van Dijk, better players and foreigners who grew up in different countries, chose to renew their deals. Trent, Scouser, decided to join Real Madrid. And he has waited until now to tell us.

Why did he do that 'stop talking' gesture when he scored at Christmas? Why did he take his shirt off when he scored against Leicester City a few weeks back?

It is all just very odd - and I am entitled to feel as much.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

There has been a formidable look to Liverpool's right flank over recent years, with Trent Alexander-Arnold feeding the irrepressible Mohamed Salah.

The output has helped build Salah's reputation as a goal-hungry wide man, while Alexander-Arnold's stock as one of the world's most creative full-backs has ultimately won the attention of Real Madrid.

When he departs this summer, is there ultimately a risk Salah's form nosedives?

The data shows Premier League games in which Salah has featured without Alexander-Arnold have resulted in the winger being more efficient.

In the 215 league fixtures they have shared, the talisman has scored every 137 minutes and assisted a goal every 91.

When Alexander-Arnold isn't in the side, Salah finds the net every 114 minutes and creates every 85.

Such numbers may offer Liverpool fans who are sad to see Alexander-Arnold depart a crumb of comfort.

It would appear their 'Egyptian King' is more than capable of lighting up the right side of the pitch without the homegrown creative prowess of Alexander-Arnold behind him.

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It is often whistling in the wind to ask fans who feel betrayed, as some Liverpool supporters will, to remember the good times. But in this case it can be justified.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has played a pivotal role in the good times Liverpool's global fanbase have basked in, first under Jurgen Klopp then in a remarkable first title-winning season under Arne Slot.

He has made 352 appearances since making his debut in 2016, scoring 23 goals and claiming all of the game's major prizes. In that time, Liverpool have won 234 of those games.

For all the debate around Alexander-Arnold's defensive flaws, these were outweighed by the creative brilliance and stunning range of passing that always gave Liverpool an extra dimension. This is proved by his rate of providing 86 assists in his Anfield career.

Alexander-Arnold will be remembered as the local boy who became a modern Liverpool great. Now he must wait to see if this is fully acknowledged by the supporters who adored him as one of their own wearing the red shirt.

Image source, Getty Images

Signing for Real Madrid will show Trent Alexander-Arnold he is "mentally strong", says Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

After months of speculation, it was confirmed on Monday the full-back will leave Liverpool at the end of his contract in the summer.

While there is no official news yet on where Alexander-Arnold will be playing next season, it is highly likely to be in Spain with La Liga giants Real Madrid.

"He hasn't signed anything but he doesn't have to sign anything to be a Real Madrid player next, which he will be. There are opportunities to sign something private, and at some point there will be a picture of him with Florentino Perez," Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"Next thing for Real Madrid is negotiating something with Liverpool on him being able to finish his contract before 30 June so he can participate in the Club World Cup and be a Madrid player as soon as possible at the end of May.

"He is a top, top player and top, top players just work well anywhere.

"It is an interesting situation because Dani Carvajal will come back from injury - in my eyes, he was the best right-back in the world, ahead of Trent - so what the next manager of Real Madrid will have to decide is how to use him. But there is no fear from anyone.

"One of the things you get from signing for Real Madrid is the confirmation that mentally you are strong. You can deal with whatever comes your way. Trent will have to adapt but he will make himself important to Real Madrid, there is no doubt on that."

Listen back on BBC Sounds

Would the reaction have been the same if Mohamed Salah had not signed a new contract and left Liverpool for free this summer like Trent Alexander-Arnold?

That was the discussion on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, with New York Times chief football correspondent Rory Smith believing it would have been different if it was the Egyptian.

"To me, it is the perfect time to step away because he [Salah] has won everything and it is the right time to go and challenge himself.

"But the difference between him going for free and Mohamed Salah is that he is a Scouser.

"He is living the dream of every fan and most fans, totally understandably, don't understand why you would stop that dream."

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton added: "It's absolutely extraordinary what he has achieved. Now he's made a choice, done everything and wants to move on. He's entitled to do that.

"Most players, if they could have trodden in his boots, would have made exactly the same decision."

Listen to the discussion on BBC Sounds

Liverpool are set to spend big in the summer, with the Reds in the market for a new left-back, centre-back and striker. (Talksport), external

Outgoing right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is poised to sign a six-year contract with Real Madrid, which will take effect from 1 July. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

Alexander-Arnold rejected the offer of a significant pay rise to remain at Anfield beyond the end of this season. (ESPN), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap tells BBC Sport Liverpool will need to bring in competition for right-back Conor Bradley after Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed he will leave this summer.

Football writer and broadcaster Henry Winter posting on social media platform X: "All this stuff about Trent Alexander-Arnold walking alone, it's ridiculous. Yes, hell hath no fury like a fan spurned but some perspective is needed.

"Don't be angry that Trent leaves, be thankful for the time together, the memories shared, the trophies won, the road travelled together. Madrid. Wembley. All over. Don't berate a renowned player with such venom that potential recruits are wary of coming to Liverpool. Don't give rival fans the chance to slate your treatment of a player. However painful, be respectful. Be proud that a local kid your club nurtured has blossomed into one of the best footballers on the planet. Show Liverpool's best traits. Support. Fans stay, professionals move, it's nothing new.

"Trent loves Liverpool personally but professionally he has to make career choices. He's 26. He's been offered the opportunity to play for the biggest club in the world in Real Madrid. He's not joining a domestic rival. He's going abroad, to an unbelievable stadium, city and club. He's going to a place as obsessed with the European Cup as Liverpool, perhaps even more so. He's going to be playing with his mate Jude and with fabulous talent like Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. He'll probably prefer playing with Vinicius Jr than against him. He'll be seeing more of the ball and spraying even more of those famous passes around. Especially if Xabi Alonso comes in as coach. Trent has earned this chance.

"Liverpool fans will be angry, frustrated, feeling let down. But Trent couldn't have revealed his intentions before. He focused on the 20, on being ready to come on and score a sublime, very difficult and hugely important goal as the strike against Leicester City. He's been respectful and today's statement is full of respect. So wish him well, however tough that may be. He's represented Liverpool well, the Scouser in the team. Now he will be the Scouser in the Real Madrid team. What an advertisement for Liverpool's academy, for Liverpool as a club developing such gems of players and people.

"Remember how much he's done for the community, food-banks, helping out those disadvantaged, giving another chance for those released by academies. He's got a moral compass. Liverpool's history is about the celebration of players and also that some leave at their peak. Kevin Keegan did. Like Trent, he went to Europe for a new challenge. Kenny Dalglish came in to Liverpool and the good times continued to roll. He promptly scored the winner in the European Cup final.

Adios, Trent. Hello, Conor Bradley. No player is bigger than the club. And it's not like Trent is leaving Liverpool in the lurch. They have a brilliant new manager, have just won the title, have a superb recruitment operation and will doubtless strengthen in the summer. Trent leaves with a clear conscience and a crammed medal cabinet. Premier League twice, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup. Yes, he goes without Liverpool recouping a fee, and that's an undeniable frustration. He's run down his contract. But he never cost them a fee. Yes, he received expert coaching in the academy and has been well-paid as a first-teamer. And he's paid them back with 23 goals and 86 assists in 352 games. His legacy at Liverpool should be lauded.

Trent shouldn't be made to feel he now walks alone. Liverpool are bigger than that.

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

A drive through Liverpool right now offers the chance to see countless flags draped from windows and guttering as fans colour their houses in celebration of a 20th league title.

One on Queens Drive - two minutes along the busy road where Trent Alexander-Arnold lived as a child - explains such success is "part of our DNA". Around the corner, on Marlborough Road in Tuebrook, one fan has managed to hang a flag from a telephone cable, meaning cars pass under it all day long. There is a tangible pride in the air.

Alexander-Arnold has felt this before. He has quite literally stood atop a parade bus and been able to see his childhood home. On Monday, 26 May, he will do so again. The young man has indeed come a long way in the most localised manner.

A European Cup, two Premier League titles and 86 assists have come the way of a player who dreamed of such outcomes when he joined the Reds, aged six.

It must be borderline scary to have achieved so much of what you wished for by the age of 26. What roads are left to conquer? Does the view from the roof of the bus get old? Do you grow a little more numb to the dusting of red smoke?

For a fan, it is almost impossible to grasp why change might be longed for, yet in Alexander-Arnold's world, it is. "I need a new change," he has explained.

There is a world - and one in which it is not too hard to imagine - where Alexander-Arnold's name graced The Anfield Road end. Had a lifetime of service ensued along with maybe a few more trophies, there would have been a strong case - one day - for such an outcome. That, in many ways, is lasting legacy - one's name on a stand or below a statue.

Rightly or wrongly, that now appears far less likely to ever happen. Alexander-Arnold might instead become a Galactico. We can name countless Galacticos. From a legacy perspective, one wonders if the next leg of his journey will ultimately provide the unique, one-club outcome that could have been.

So is it worth it? His weighing of what are personal factors implies so.

Ultimately, some decisions do not come down to legacy but hinge on what an individual places the deepest value upon. For some it is a name on a stand, for others it is personal accolades, for many, it is trophies. It is almost certain Alexander-Arnold will add countless of the latter to his cabinets from here on in, such is his talent and the status of the club he looks set to join.

Of course, there are other key factors and motivations. There's a chance to conquer a language, a new culture, and to grow one's brand in foreign lands. Few of even the most diehard Liverpool fans - the type who scale telephone poles to hang flags - could begrudge the cocktail of plus points and experiences Alexander-Arnold is set to live out and enjoy.

He is ultimately happy with his legacy in his home city and comfortable with the fact it may never deliver a name on a stand. There will instead always be the trophies earned in red to look back on.

In the future, when the dust on a controversial departure settles, one would expect even fans frustrated by his exit to offer nods of respect at one of Liverpool's sons.

The kid from Queens Drive has new roads to conquer. Fans must now conquer their confusion as to why one of their own will no longer be part of their DNA.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract.

Here are some of your comments:

Ryan: I'm obviously gutted that Trent has decided to leave. He's been omnipresent for many seasons now, helping us lift many trophies, but no single player is bigger than the club. Who's to say that someone new might come in a be a breath of fresh air? I wish him luck. I just wish we'd have been able to monetise his departure.

Nick: When you give 20 years of your life in service to a football club, and win every trophy possible in the process, while still honouring your contract, I think you earn the right to try something new. He doesn't owe Liverpool anything as he gave the club everything.

Ian: There is no denying he is a talented footballer, good going forward, taking free-kicks and corners and he is an excellent passer of the ball. But his defending has been questioned in recent years and he has proved to be a weak link on several occasions. If he wants to leave, then good luck to him. I'm sure Liverpool will have their sights on an excellent replacement.

Stephen: Wishing Trent all the very best for the future. He has been a great servant for the Reds, has won everything for us, and deserves the opportunity to pitch his talents elsewhere. Fellow Reds fans will not like it, leaving on a free etc, but the board only have themselves to blame for that. Thanks for everything Trent, you redefined the roll of the full-back, along with Andy Robertson.

Dan: Very happy for both him and Liverpool. He's been a loyal, long-serving player. Lots of people in jobs leave for a new challenge. Good luck to him. Equally, the right-back position has been the proverbial running sore under Jurgen Klopp, who singularly failed to address the fact that Trent can't defend well. Thankfully, Arne Slot has had the resolve to try different options and hopefully Conor Bradley will turn his potential into greatness. Something had to give. So overall, it's a win-win.

James: Can't blame him for wanting a new challenge. I wish him all the best unless he is playing against us. The sadness of losing one of our own is somewhat helped by the fact that although Trent is the far superior individual player with the ball at his feet. I do genuinely believe we are a better much more balanced team with Conor Bradley. Just look at the difference in yesterday's game when Bradley came on.

John: It's not the norm nowadays for a player to spend their entire career at one club. The fact he is a Liverpool boy makes it harder for the fans, and as a fan I'm disappointed. But from his point of view it is completely understandable. If you have a chance to play for another footballing giant, in another country, why not? Good luck to him.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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It's the lure of a new challenge - the prestige of becoming a Galactico, that is understood to be the overriding motivation for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Indeed, while he will undoubtedly be well remunerated in the Spanish capital - with well-placed sources indicating that his basic wage in Madrid will be supplemented by a healthy commercial and image rights package - Liverpool were willing to make Alexander-Arnold one of the best paid defenders in Premier League history to sign a new contract at Anfield.

But you get the impression that money isn't the sole driver for Alexander-Arnold. He's won everything there is to win with Liverpool.

He is going out a winner, too; playing a key role in the club's 20th league title triumph. Winning at Real Madrid puts you on a different stratosphere, though.

The lure of Real, even for someone as emotionally attached to his surroundings as Alexander-Arnold is, is hard to resist.

Alexander-Arnold, upon his exit, will relinquish the vice-captaincy - a role Mohamed Salah is understood to be a prime candidate to fill ahead of next season.

Leaving home will carry an emotional burden, but a new challenge is on the horizon for Alexander-Arnold.

Madrid is calling.

Sens us your thoughts on Alexander-Arnold's exit