Journalist: FSG Mismanagement Could Push Alexander-Arnold Out of Liverpool | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold: Should He Stay or Go?

The future of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool has become a subject of intense speculation, with murmurs of a potential departure gaining momentum. While it’s difficult to imagine him in any other colours than Liverpool red, the circumstances surrounding his contract and the interest from Real Madrid make it hard to overlook the possibility of him moving on. In his heart, Alexander-Arnold might long to stay at Anfield, but for a player of his calibre, several factors will undoubtedly weigh heavily on his mind when considering his next steps.

Liverpool’s Missed Opportunity with Alexander-Arnold

One of the key takeaways from Simon Hughes’ article in The Athletic is how Liverpool’s ownership, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), mishandled Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation. As Hughes points out, “The club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), should have made him an offer he couldn’t refuse by the summer of 2023 at the latest — tying him up for what could be his best years and promising to make him the symbol of a new era. Instead, the organisation has let the situation get away from them.” This is where the root of the issue lies.

Alexander-Arnold’s current deal is set to expire soon, and the uncertainty around his future leaves both the player and fans anxious. What’s particularly concerning is how this situation reflects a broader issue within the club’s recent operational structure. Following the departure of key figures like Julian Ward and Jurgen Klopp’s resignation in early 2024, the club’s recruitment and contract negotiations seem to have become disjointed.

Jorg Schmadtke’s brief stint as sporting director did little to rectify the problem, as he did not have the authority to handle player contracts. That responsibility, as Hughes highlights, remained with FSG president Mike Gordon, who had stepped back from daily operations. The vacuum created at the top level allowed a crucial situation like Alexander-Arnold’s to fester without proper attention.

Real Madrid’s Interest: A Tempting Prospect

When it comes to high-profile transfers, Real Madrid is rarely far from the conversation, and the idea of Alexander-Arnold moving to the Spanish giants is far from outlandish. Hughes explains that “There would be logic to Real Madrid’s interest. Their right-back, Dani Carvajal, will turn 33 in January and he, too, is approaching the end of his contract.” While Carvajal is reportedly extending his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2025, Madrid will inevitably need a replacement. Alexander-Arnold, with his exceptional technical ability, intelligence, and creativity, fits the bill perfectly.

One factor that may influence Alexander-Arnold’s thinking is his relationship with Jude Bellingham, who made the move to Madrid in the summer of 2023. The pair share a close friendship, as seen during their time with the England national team and their much-publicised holiday together in Los Angeles. Real Madrid, a club synonymous with success, could offer Alexander-Arnold the opportunity to compete for major trophies regularly and cement his legacy on a global stage.

There’s no denying the allure of Madrid, a club that promises silverware and individual acclaim, while also offering Alexander-Arnold a significant signing bonus as he approaches the end of his contract. Yet, even with these tantalising prospects, leaving Liverpool might bring regrets.

Photo: @TrentAA on X

Emotional Pull of Anfield

One of the most intriguing elements of this situation is Alexander-Arnold’s emotional connection to Liverpool. Raised in West Derby, a stone’s throw away from Anfield, and a product of Liverpool’s youth system, Alexander-Arnold has always been seen as the next great scouse captain. As Hughes writes, “Alexander-Arnold continues to say he wants to be the club captain and he is, in theory, the next in line to do so considering his current role as deputy to Virgil van Dijk.”

The idea of leading Liverpool, particularly to a Premier League title, holds a deep sentimental value for Alexander-Arnold. Despite winning the league in 2020, the absence of fans due to pandemic restrictions deprived him of the full experience. He has previously spoken about wanting to recreate that moment, but with Anfield at its raucous best, something he sees as unfinished business.

Yet, for all his loyalty, Alexander-Arnold must be aware of the risk that comes with staying too long. As Hughes notes, this is not another Steven Gerrard scenario, where Liverpool’s success hung almost entirely on one player. With the team currently in transition, the weight of expectation doesn’t fall solely on Alexander-Arnold’s shoulders. Nevertheless, the possibility of regret looms large if he walks away now without fulfilling the potential that both he and Liverpool fans still believe he can achieve.

The Legacy Dilemma

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s legacy is at a crossroads. While he is already regarded as one of the best right-backs of his generation, his standing among Liverpool’s all-time greats remains uncertain. As Hughes outlines, “In any debate about an all-time Liverpool XI, Alexander-Arnold is not a guaranteed starter because, among those with longer memories, he would still be competing for the right-back spot with Phil Neal, Liverpool’s most decorated player.”

Should Alexander-Arnold stay, the prospect of leading Liverpool to further glory could elevate his status to that of a genuine club legend. Comparisons to players like Phil Neal, who captained Liverpool during their most dominant era, highlight the potential for Alexander-Arnold to carve out a special place in the club’s history.

On the other hand, leaving now would see him remembered as an important figure in Liverpool’s recent history, but not one who achieved the heights of legends like Neal or Steven Gerrard. The emotional and historical significance of Alexander-Arnold’s next move cannot be overstated.

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The possibility of losing Alexander-Arnold feels like a gut punch. Trent is not just a footballer; he embodies what it means to be ‘one of us.’ To see him leave for Madrid would be a loss of more than just a player. It would symbolise the erosion of that emotional connection we’ve cherished since his debut.

There’s also frustration with how FSG have allowed this situation to drag out. We’ve seen this play out before with other key players, and the lack of urgency in tying down a generational talent like Trent is infuriating. Liverpool fans know the club is in a period of transition under new management with Arne Slot, but losing someone like Trent could make this transition harder.

The club should have shown more ambition in making Trent the face of the future – something he clearly deserves. If he leaves, it’s hard to see how the team will recover, especially with gaps in leadership and the squad needing serious reinforcements. Trent’s departure could mark the beginning of a bigger problem for Liverpool unless FSG step up quickly.