“It’s probably the worst-kept secret in the world” - Liverpool icon delivers bold verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold amid Real Madrid links

Former Liverpool great Mark Lawrenson believes Trent Alexander-Arnold has already made up his mind to leave Anfield at the end of the current season. The Reds defender is in the final 12 months of his contract and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Speaking on the matter, Lawrenson said (via Liverpool.com):

"I think Trent will let his contract run out. I think the world knows, and it's probably the worst-kept secret in the world, that his big mate (Jude Bellingham) plays for Real Madrid. He's an intelligent boy, very well schooled, etc. He might just turn around and go, 'you know what boys, I'm going to go and play in Spain'. Because why not?"

He continued:

"Because don't they win the Champions League every year, to widen your horizons, all those other kinds of things. It's only a gut thing but I hear it more and more often now that they might have already had a conversation. So I wouldn't be surprised."

Lawrenson added that Liverpool academy product Conor Bradley could potentially replace Alexander-Arnold in the starting XI, saying:

"Conor Bradley looks like he's going to be a really good player as well in Trent's position. So it wouldn't be the end of the world, would it?"

Alexander-Arnold will be free to negotiate with the Santiago Bernabeu for a summer move come January 1, 2025. The English defender has played 323 games for the Reds and has been an asset in attack by registering 19 goals and 83 assists in the process.

Lawrenson urges Liverpool to extend Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's contracts

Besides Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk will also see their contracts run out come June 2025. Lawrenson believes it will be important for the Reds to keep the Dutch defender and the Egyptian forward at the club beyond next season. He said (via Liverpool.com):

"Van Dijk is the most important player to sign. He's the rock of the defence, sorts out the dressing room, all those kinds of things. Still a top, top player. And then I would go with Salah after him."

Sala (32) has registered 220 goals and 96 assists in 364 games for Liverpool. Van Dijk (33) is the new club captain and has played 283 games for the club, keeping 89 clean sheets in the Premier League.

Liverpool are currently at the top of the league table, with 25 points after 10 games, two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.