Arne Slot breaks silence on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future amid Real Madrid links | OneFootball

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is “fully focused” on returning to fitness following reports that he is in talks to join Real Madrid.

Speaking ahead of the Merseyside derby, Slot remained tight-lipped on the right-back’s contract situation, instead focusing on his recovery from injury.

Alexander-Arnold, who is in the final months of his contract, has yet to agree on a new deal with Liverpool. Recent reports from Spain suggest the 26-year-old has already committed to joining Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, leading to intense scrutiny over his future. However, Slot was unwilling to be drawn into the speculation.

“His situation is that he’s injured,” Slot said. “Otherwise, people probably would have been talking about his performances for England. But for now, he is fully focused on his recovery, and we’re helping him get back as soon as possible.”

Liverpool fans have been left in limbo for months, with uncertainty surrounding not only Alexander-Arnold but also Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, both of whom are also out of contract this summer. Despite ongoing rumours, Slot insisted the trio’s commitment on the pitch has never wavered.

“For eight or nine months, there has been talk about Trent, Virgil, and Mo. But we’ve never been focused on that,” he added. “We’ve been focused on performing. For Virgil and Mo, that means trying to win the Merseyside derby. For Trent, it’s about getting fit again.”

As Liverpool prepare for their showdown with Everton, Slot provided updates on several first-team players. Ryan Gravenberch and Alisson Becker both picked up knocks on international duty but are expected to be available. Conor Bradley has returned to training, but a late decision will be made on whether he features. Alexander-Arnold remains sidelined as he continues his recovery.

Slot said: “Ryan (Gravenberch) is OK although he has to train one more time. Ali trained with us as well, the last check has to be made this afternoon. Conor is training again but we have to make a decision on whether he’s playing. That decision I’ll keep to myself.”

With both Alexander-Arnold and Bradley still out, Liverpool may once again turn to Jarell Quansah at right-back, as they did in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.

Slot emphasised that his players remain fully focused on the task at hand, with the derby marking a crucial moment in Liverpool’s title challenge.

With Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk all entering the final months of their contracts, Liverpool face the challenge of potentially replacing key figures this summer. However, Slot insisted that the noise will not derail their pursuit of what would be only the club’s second league title in 35 years.

Slot praised his squad’s professionalism, saying: “In the final stages of the season, every game matters. Nine finals but it is for every team. These games are very important for us, starting with Everton. Not only because it’s the derby but because we’re in such a great position as well.”