Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hinted that defender Trent Alexander-Arnold could be on his way to Real Madrid, suggesting that the player's absence from Liverpool's final game of the season would be a "gift" to Xabi Alonso, who is reportedly set to take over as Real Madrid manager.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's final Premier League match of the 2024-25 season against FA Cup champions Crystal Palace, Slot made comments that strongly indicate Alexander-Arnold's imminent departure from Anfield.
"He's going to leave anyway so why not, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso," Slot said, referring to Alexander-Arnold potentially not playing in Sunday's match.
The Dutch manager also offered candid insights about his relationship with the England international, revealing that he wasn't always satisfied with the player's efforts in training.
"I wasn't completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground. In my opinion, there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly," Slot explained.
Despite these criticisms, Slot defended Alexander-Arnold's defensive capabilities, which have often been questioned by pundits. "I told him he's a much better defender than people think, but you don't show it all the time," he added.
The Liverpool boss indicated that he has not yet made a final decision on whether Alexander-Arnold will feature in the team's last game of the season, which will be followed by Premier League title celebrations at Anfield.
Reports suggest that Alexander-Arnold could join Real Madrid's squad in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in June, marking a significant transfer for both clubs if completed.
The potential move would see the talented right-back link up with Alonso, who himself has strong connections to both Liverpool and Real Madrid from his playing career.
Liverpool fans will be watching closely as the team lifts the Premier League trophy on Sunday, in what could be Alexander-Arnold's final appearance in a Liverpool shirt after coming through the club's academy system.
