Arne Slot sending Trent Alexander-Arnold CLEAR Liverpool contract message

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has commented on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation.

Liverpool’s vice-captain has less than a year left on his current deal at Anfield and could begin talks with foreign clubs for a free transfer in January. The 25-year-old, who has spent his entire career at Liverpool after coming through the academy, is a lifelong supporter of the club.

The full-back has made a strong start to the season following a mixed Euros campaign with England, during which he was played out of position. The 29-capped player may see more time in his preferred position now that England has a new manager.

Deeney, the former Watford striker, believes there may be more going on with Arne Slot’s recent substitutions, suggesting the Dutch manager might be sending a message to his vice-captain by replacing him with Conor Bradley in all three of Liverpool’s opening games. Deeney said on talkSPORT: “Are they preparing for Trent’s potential departure, or are they actually telling him – here’s the contract, sign it, or we’ll play this youngster?”

There was a perceived tension between Trent and Slot after the right-back was substituted during Liverpool’s match against Brentford, but any differences have since been resolved, and Alexander-Arnold appears fully committed on the pitch for Liverpool.

Trent believed he had netted his first goal of the season within the opening 10 minutes of Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United and celebrated in a manner reminiscent of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, but the goal was disallowed by VAR.

Liverpool’s contract dilemma

Trent isn’t the only Liverpool player with a contract expiring at the end of the season, as both captain Virgil van Dijk and star player Mohamed Salah could also leave Anfield for free after this campaign. Slot has been careful in his public comments about the trio’s contracts, but talks are expected to begin soon.

Discussing contracts in general, Deeney added: “A player will always look after themselves, and a club will do the same – that’s just how it works.”

Liverpool fans will be hoping the club can align with the out-of-contract trio and work out extensions as soon as possible.