The Trent Alexander-Arnold telling hint that should give Liverpool fans hope amid new contract speculation

Liverpool are enjoying a strong start to the Arne Slot era as they remain closely contesting the top spot in the Premier League. Despite a frustrating defeat to Nottingham Forest, the Reds are just one point behind leaders Manchester City, who most recently played out a nail-biting 2-2 draw with fellow title rivals Arsenal.

Liverpool had hoped for a final Premier League title under Jurgen Klopp but a dip in form towards the end of the 2023/24 season saw them finish third. Based on results so far, there’s a lot to be positive about when it comes to the topic of silverware. Can Liverpool scoop a trophy during Slot’s debut season? Both team and individual performances would suggest they definitely look up for the battle, which is something that could convince key players to stay at Anfield.

Unless you’ve had all internet devices switched off throughout the summer, you will be well aware that Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are all now well into the final 12 months of their contracts. So far, it has been mainly rumours and speculation surrounding the trio’s futures, as nothing concrete has been announced by the club yet. However, all three have come out and made comments in some capacity regarding the uncertainty.

Alexander-Arnold is the biggest risk out of the three, as losing such a key player while still in his prime years would be a massive blow to the club. The right-back admitted back in 2018 that he wanted to spend his career at his boyhood club and one day become captain, which is surely the next step for him now, if he remains a Liverpool player.

His recent comments are encouraging as well, and still reflect the dreams of the young man with stars in his eyes. When asked whether he wanted to stay with the Reds for the foreseeable future, Alexander-Arnold echoed his younger self: “I have always said I want to captain the club. That is a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands.

“I want to be a Liverpool player this season [as a minimum] is what I will say. I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public and this one won’t be either.”

Hinting that there may indeed be talks underway behind the scenes is something Liverpool fans can certainly hold on to. Since her emergence into the team under Klopp, the 25-year-old has grown into one of the team’s most important and influential players. Taking on the role as vice-captain last season has only propelled Alexander-Arnold and his status at Liverpool. If Van Dijk leaves next year, the torch will surely be passed to his fellow defender.

Alexander-Arnold has already established himself as another homegrown Liverpool legend and taking on the captain’s armband full-time will likely only further fuel his commitment to the club. Taking on such an important role just for a season or two doesn’t make sense — surely the desire to retire in a similar way to Steven Gerrard is on the radar?

Captaincy isn’t the only motivation, though. Alexander-Arnold admitted that the most important thing in his decision is trophies and that he is highly driven by the idea of adding silverware to his tally.

“I want to win trophies, I am a player who is highly motivated by trophies and winning things and being elite. So that is probably the main factor of anything, if you have a personality that is elite, who wants to win and will do anything to win then that is what drives me.”

If Liverpool can push for a trophy this season, or at least come close to one, it will only help convince crucial players to trust in the Slot chapter and stay at Anfield. If Alexander-Arnold can be guaranteed at least a title battle each season as captain, it will be hard for other clubs to prise him away.