Liverpool are being forced to put plans in place for a potential departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Reds have allowed themselves to get into the sticky position of Alexander-Arnold having just one year left to run on his contract.
There appears to be calm from Liverpool over the prospect of losing their star academy graduate, but until a new deal is signed, worry will remain.
Real Madrid have been linked with Trent and Liverpool will be wary that Alexander-Arnold has a strong friendship with Jude Bellingham.
Nevertheless, should the worst happen and the 25-year-old leaves Anfield for good, the Reds are reportedly already lining up his successor.
Liverpool making Lutsharel Geertruida plan
Alexander-Arnold is currently on holiday after reaching the Euro 2024 final with England.
There will be hope amongst the Liverpool fanbase that once he returns to the AXA Training Centre in the first week of August, contract talks can be ramped up.
Trent was obviously incredibly fond of Jurgen Klopp having been with the former Liverpool manager throughout his senior career.
But it has also been claimed that Alexander-Arnold is excited about Arne Slot and is looking forward to working under the Dutchman.
And according to Caught Offside, Liverpool’s No.66 is satisfied with Slot to the point that he and his entourage have now begun talking to the Reds about a new deal.
READ MORE: What Trent Alexander-Arnold really thinks about playing in midfield for Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold is said to be ‘prioritising’ staying at Liverpool despite interest from Real Madrid and there’s claimed to be an ‘initial feeling’ that a new contract will be signed.
Although they have been mentioned as Trent’s likely destination if he leaves his boyhood club, Madrid are reportedly yet to make any kind of approach to sign the Reds vice-captain.
Things can change quickly in football, though, and it’s claimed that if an agreement cannot be reached with Alexander-Arnold, then Liverpool will pursue Feyenoord right-back Lutsharel Geertruida.
Slot is said to be keen on signing Geertruida regardless of Trent’s situation, but Liverpool are reportedly ‘in no rush’ to make a concrete move for the 24-year-old.
Lutsharel Geertruida a good option for Liverpool
Liverpool have been linked with Geertruida plenty both before and after it became clear that Slot would be their new head coach.
The Dutchman is a really versatile player who could help the Reds in a couple of different positions.
Geertruida could be available for around £21m this summer and should Liverpool find themselves having to sell Alexander-Arnold, that would be a snippet of the fee they’d likely bring in.
Clearly Slot is a big fan of the Feyenoord man and perhaps already has a plan to use him in the Liverpool system. But we’d also point out that Conor Bradley is right there and would cost the Reds absolutely nothing.
Anyway, let’s hope that Liverpool ultimately do not need a back-up plan and Alexander-Arnold signs on for years to come.
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