Liverpool fans are coming to terms with the fact that it looks very likely that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be leaving the club on a free transfer this summer.
The long-rumoured move to Real Madrid is edging closer and whilst many are criticising the decision of the right back, one journalist is praising his previous moves.
In 2021, the Scouser signed a four-year deal which was much sorter than what is usually expected for a player of his age and David Lynch thought this was a smart move.
Writing in his Substack, he stated: ‘It is noteworthy that, upon signing his last contract extension in 2021, Alexander-Arnold agreed only to another four years – shorter than the club would typically be comfortable with.
‘That now looks an astute call from the player given that, for the last 12 months, he has had his boyhood club and arguably the biggest institution in world football locked in a battle for his services before eventually opting for the latter.’
Signing a short deal allowed for greater agency over a move at this time in the 26-year-old’s career, whether everyone will praise this tactic is another thing though.
When putting pen to paper, the West Derby-born player described it as (via liverpoolfc.com) ‘I live the dream every day really’ – yet this dream is seemingly no longer appealing enough to keep living.
Alexander-Arnold’s shorter contract allowed an early Anfield exit
The Reds are now left in a position where a boyhood fan is set to leave the club on a free transfer, as we ponder whether to stick with Conor Bradley or add a new player to the squad.
After investing so much into the academy graduate, to see him now leave for nothing will hurt as much as the decision to turn your back on your team.
If it was in Alexander-Arnold’s mind to leave back in 2021, it makes it even harder to think that we’ve all wasted time sticking by him for the Scouser to then turn his back on his own.
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Sentimental rubbish. The club took their eye of the ball and tried to save money running his contract down hoping for his loyalty, desire to become captain and save themselves money not renewing earlier.
Hughes and Edwards will experiment with Moneyball now as winning the title will give them the kudos to take that risk…just like Edwards with poor his terrible succession planning ( saving money on transfers) after the last title in 2020
Sentimental rubbish. The club took their eye of the ball and tried to save money running his contract down hoping for his loyalty, desire to become captain and save themselves money not renewing earlier.
Hughes and Edwards will experiment with Moneyball now as winning the title will give them the kudos to take that risk…just like Edwards with his poor terrible succession planning ( saving money on transfers) after the last title in 2020
Edwards is employed by FSG to enhance their sporting brand and find another team to add to their portfolio. He has nothing to do with the day-to-day running of the football club.
Hughes is responsible for player acquisitions.
Ward is responsible for contracts.
None of them were here when Trent signed his contract back in 2021. That is all on Klopp, so was not getting him re-signed to a new contract two years ago.
But don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story …
I have no problem with him wanting to go but lets be clear the fact he’s going for free leaves a nasty taste in the mouth he will be vilified just like Michael Owen his legacy has been tarnished and you can’t deny it.
Unfortunately scousers will regard his actions as betrayal. Don’t abuse him but quietly loathe him if you must.