'It's crazy' - Liverpool slammed for failing to tie Trent Alexander Arnold down to new contract with Real Madrid a 'nice option to have'

Alexander-Arnold's contract is set to expire at the end of the season and he has been continually linked with a blockbuster move to Real Madrid. The right-back can speak to foreign clubs from January, and will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement should he so wish.

Alexander-Arnold has long been a fixture in Liverpool's starting XI and has won every trophy there is to win. He has also racked up over 300 appearances for the club, and Wright and Keane have expressed their shock that Liverpool have put themselves into such a thorny position over his future.

Wright told ITV: "You can't see anything happening in January, for sure, especially the way Liverpool have started the season, but for me, what he's done for Liverpool up to this point... It's different when people talk about Steve McManaman and Michael Owen, yeah, they won League Cups and European Cups and the FA Cup but he's won the lot. He's won the Premier League, the Champions League, the World Club Cup, the FA Cup, the League Cup, he's won everything and he's done it at his hometown club. Liverpool and FSG have got themselves into a position where he's in his last year. It's crazy."

Keane added: "He's in control of all of that. You'd like to think Liverpool are trying to get him on a contract. If not, then he'll certainly be leaving Liverpool, going abroad, and if Real Madrid's an option, that's a good option to have."

Alexander-Arnold's future is likely to remain under the microscope until a resolution is found. As it stands, there is no telling if he will spend pre-season before the 2025/26 season in Liverpool or Madrid.