Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled against Manchester United and his future was debated by Jamie Carragher and Daniel Sturridge after Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Anfield
Jamie Carragher and Daniel Sturridge became embroiled in a heated debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future after Liverpool’s draw with Manchester United.
The Reds right-back, 26, has been the subject of transfer interest from Real Madrid for months and was the subject of an approach from the Spanish giants this week with his contract up at the end of the season.
Talk over whether or not Alexander-Arnold will sign a new deal with his boyhood club has dominated the narrative on Merseyside ahead of Sunday’s eagerly anticipated clash with United, which ended 2-2. It was an afternoon to forget for Alexander-Arnold, though, who struggled for Arne Slot’s side.
And when his future was discussed in the Sky Sports studio, Carragher and Sturridge clashed after giving their own opinions on the ongoing contract saga.
“There’s sometime frustration from Liverpool supporters [Alexander-Arnold] could leave for free – he came for free, I’ve got no problem with that. It’s his choice. When I’m talking about Trent, I’m disappointed with the Real Madrid stuff coming out and that being the focus before a big game, because the most important thing is Liverpool winning the game.”
But Sturridge interjected, saying: “Before Madrid you had a problem with the situation as well,” to which Carragher responded: “What was the problem?”
Sturridge continued: “The problem was how things were going, ‘Oh, we’re hearing rumours’ and the contract and this and that,” but Carragher was having none of it and hit back: “Daniel, tell me what the problem was. That was just waffle.”
“This is a simple question I have for you,” Sturridge retorted. “Are you saying you are happy with Trent leaving for free or you want money for him; which one is it? You can’t stay on the fence Jamie. You either want him to stay and sign a contract or you want him to leave now and you want money. But you can’t have it both ways!”
Carragher then had his say, replying: “When did I say I wanted him to be sold now for money? No, stop. When did I say I was unhappy with him going for free? I have never ever said I have a problem with him going for free. I have constantly defended him to other Liverpool fans and on this show, that the lad came for nothing and if he leaves for nothing, there should be no criticism for that.
“In terms of selling him right now, I’m disappointed because I know how transfers work, how football works. He would have known Real Madrid were putting a bid in [for him]. My problem is Liverpool are going for a league title here – it’s January and he will have known it will kick up a fuss before a big game.”
Sturridge responded: “It’s the same thing for Salah though! You can’t say one thing for Trent, a local lad who should be revered by the fans. Like yourself, like Steven Gerrard, Trent is one of you guys, someone who’s been at the club from the academy.
“He’s at a point now where the club have allowed his contract to get to his point, that isn’t Trent’s fault. So Real Madrid have tested the waters. They might have had a flirt up, that’s not a problem!”
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