Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made a stunning admission about Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of what could be the right-back’s final appearance for the club this Sunday, revealing private conversations that shed light on the defender’s impending exit—and inadvertently handing incoming Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso an early advantage.
Alexander-Arnold confirmed his departure from Liverpool earlier this month, announcing he would leave on a free transfer after failing to agree on a new contract. The 26-year-old, a boyhood Reds fan and academy graduate, is now poised to join Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, a move that has left sections of the Anfield faithful furious. Fans audibly booed Alexander-Arnold when he came on as a substitute in Liverpool’s recent match against Arsenal, a reaction that underscored the raw emotions surrounding his exit.
Slot, who took over as Liverpool boss this season, has remained diplomatic but candid in his press conferences, and his latest comments offered rare insight into Alexander-Arnold’s final months at the club. The Dutchman revealed that the defender had been a frequent visitor to his office—first for disciplinary reasons early in the season, and later for more reflective discussions as his departure loomed.
“There are circumstances for me to talk with him more than, say, Virgil van Dijk,” Slot admitted. “So yes, I’ve spoken to him a lot. Winning something together creates a bond, but our conversations have gone beyond that. At the start of pre-season, he was in my office often for certain reasons—similar to why Mo Salah was—and lately, we’ve been talking about his future.”
Then came the bombshell. Slot, perhaps sensing Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid was already set in stone, decided to disclose private critiques he’d shared with the player—effectively giving Alonso a head start on managing his new signing.
“Maybe it’s the first gift I can give Xabi,” Slot said with a wry smile. “I wasn’t always happy with Trent’s training intensity. To put it mildly, there were moments he could’ve given more. We spoke about that. I also told him, ‘You’re a much better defender than people say—unfortunately, you don’t show it consistently. If you’re focused, very few players can get past you.’”
The remarks were striking, not just for their honesty but for their tactical implications. Alexander-Arnold’s defensive flaws have long been debated, yet his creative brilliance has often overshadowed them. Slot’s comments suggest Alonso will inherit a player aware of his weaknesses but perhaps not always motivated to address them—a challenge the Spaniard must now manage.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are reportedly preparing to pay Liverpool a “reasonable fee” to expedite Alexander-Arnold’s arrival in time for the Club World Cup in June. With Dani Carvajal aging and recovering from an ACL injury, Alexander-Arnold is expected to compete for the right-back spot, though Alonso’s preferred 3-4-3 system could also deploy him as a wing-back or even in midfield.
For Liverpool, the focus shifts to replacing a homegrown icon. Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as the top target, with reports suggesting advanced talks are underway. The Dutch wing-back, who thrived under Alonso at Leverkusen, boasts a €40 million release clause and could slot seamlessly into Slot’s system.
As for Alexander-Arnold, his legacy at Anfield is secure—eight trophies, countless assists, and a role in redefining the modern full-back. But his final chapter with Liverpool has been tinged with bitterness, and Slot’s revelations only add intrigue to his fresh start in Madrid. One thing’s certain: Alonso now knows exactly what he’s getting
