Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold could prove a challenging task, citing high transfer fees as a potential obstacle to finding the ideal successor.
Alexander-Arnold confirmed on Monday that he would leave Liverpool when his contract expires in June, ending a 20-year stint with the club he joined as a boy. The 26-year-old described the decision as “easily the hardest” of his life. His likely destination is Real Madrid, who are favourites to sign him after he played a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph this season.
With Alexander-Arnold’s departure imminent, Slot is left with limited options at right-back. Currently, 21-year-old Conor Bradley is the only senior player available in that position, having made 54 appearances so far.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s crucial clash against second-placed Arsenal on Sunday, Slot was tight-lipped about any transfer plans. “It would be a surprise if I started listing names or targets,” said the Dutchman. “We don’t discuss contracts or specific areas we want to strengthen publicly.”
Slot acknowledged that the club’s recent success complicates recruitment. “It’s hard to find better players than we already have, and if they exist, they need to be affordable and willing to come here,” he said. “The willingness is usually not the issue—but the transfer fees often are.”
Bradley, who missed the Chelsea match due to a fitness issue, is expected to start against Arsenal, but Slot emphasised that his selection is unrelated to Alexander-Arnold’s announcement.
Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Anfield has sparked mixed reactions among Liverpool supporters. Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp this season, said it was not his role to dictate how fans should feel. He has yet to speak to Alexander-Arnold in person, having only exchanged messages over WhatsApp, but he plans to meet him on Friday.
“Public scrutiny is nothing new for players,” said Slot. “Maybe it’s more intense for Trent right now, and perhaps more negative, but I don’t follow it all closely. It’s not my job to tell fans how to react.”
Slot urged fans to channel their energy into supporting the team against Arsenal. “Hopefully, the crowd will focus their energy on backing the team—and if it’s positive for Trent, that’s welcome too,” he added.
Having managed clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, Slot is no stranger to losing key players and remains confident Liverpool will adapt. “This club has always seen top players leave, and yet someone always steps up. I believe that will happen again now.”
