Jamie Carragher has weighed in on the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, urging the young right-back to carefully consider his options before making any decisions. Carragher believes that if Alexander-Arnold were to leave Anfield on a free transfer this summer, it would be a move that many Liverpool fans would struggle to comprehend.
Liverpool are enjoying an outstanding season under manager Arne Slot, sitting three points clear in the Premier League and topping their group in the Champions League. However, questions are arising about the futures of key players like Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk, who are all set to become free agents at the end of the season. Reports suggest that Liverpool has made contract offers to all three, but none have signed, raising concerns as the trio may be able to negotiate with foreign clubs in January.
In particular, Alexander-Arnold is reportedly attracting significant interest from other clubs, with Liverpool struggling to meet his wage demands, which are estimated to be around £100,000 per week. In a crucial development, an article recently suggested that Liverpool has presented an 'improved' contract offer in an attempt to retain the England international.
Carragher has expressed that the "most pressing issue" for Alexander-Arnold is the possibility of leaving on a free transfer, leaving fans worried about losing an £80 million asset without any compensation. Writing in his column for the Daily Telegraph, Carragher reflected on the departure of his former teammate Michael Owen to Real Madrid in 2004. Owen, who had only one year left on his contract, was sold for just £8 million, far below his true market value.
Carragher stressed: "This is the crux of the matter for Trent: the possibility of a free transfer. Just like with Steve McManaman, Liverpool fans are likely to feel the sting of seeing an £80 million asset leave the club for nothing, and that’s not a feeling that is easily overlooked." He advised Alexander-Arnold to sign a new contract, ideally with a reasonable release clause, ensuring that Liverpool receives some value if clubs like Real Madrid or others decide to pursue him.
Carragher also discussed the contrasting perception of Salah and Van Dijk among fans, both of whom face similar contract situations but have received more favorable treatment compared to local players like Alexander-Arnold. "There’s a deeply ingrained belief that for a local lad, representing Liverpool is the pinnacle of ambition. It was true for me, for Steven Gerrard, and Michael Owen, and it’s the same for Trent and Curtis Jones."
Carragher recalled his own experience in 2013, when he rejected a contract extension because he didn’t want to tarnish his legacy by ending his career in a difficult situation. He pointed out the pressure that local players feel, saying, "If I’d been at another club, I might have taken the contract, cared less about public opinion, and just focused on the salary."
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