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.