Liverpool dealt Alexander-Arnold replacement blow as contract clause revealed
Liverpool will likely to have to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer.
The 26-year-old looks set to join Real Madrid upon the expiry of his Anfield contract as no new deal has been agreed.
There were hopes that the jubilant celebrations after the Premier League title win would change his mind but that does not seem to be the case.
The Reds were speculated to have a replacement lined up but that move looks complicated after a new reveal.
Aina clause could spell trouble for Liverpool
Ola Aina has been touted as the perfect successor for Alexander-Arnold after a standout campaign with Nottingham Forest that has seen them on the verge of Champions League qualification.
The 28-year-old contract runs out at the end of the current campaign and there was speculation that the Reds could sign him as a free agent.
However, a report from Afrik Foot (2 May) has poured cold water on that idea after a new contract clause came to light.
It states that Forest have the option to extend the Nigerian’s deal beyond the end of the season if they avoid relegation, which they likely will do as they cannot go down to the Championship.
Liverpool will have to look elsewhere for Alexander-Arnold alternative
Losing Alexander-Arnold will be a devastating blow for the L4 outfit, both on and off the pitch.
He is one of the best in world football with the ball at his feet but the loss will hurt supporters even more since he is a local boy and has been at the club since he was six years old.
| Stats (Premier League) | Aina |
| Matches | 31 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 129 (53.8%) |
| Minutes played | 2650 |
Slot and Richard Hughes will have a tough task replacing the England star and the Dutchman may have to completely alter his tactics.
Conor Bradley is a solid option in the position but he has been plagued by injury issues since he stepped up to the first-team level.
There is no standout replacement available on the market, so the top-flight champions may have to get creative in order to find a solution.
It remains to be seen what the 20-time league winners do to solve their dilemma, Alexander-Arnold could perform a U-turn and stay, but if he does not, it could cause a huge problem.