Slot breaks silence on Alexander-Arnold nearing Real Madrid switch > 자유게시판

Arne Slot has delivered his verdict on reports that Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.

Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and it was revealed during the international break that he is closing in on reaching an agreement to leave his boyhood club to move to the Spanish capital.

Slot has now reacted to the news ahead of Wednesday's Merseyside derby against Everton, with Liverpool looking to bounce back from successive losses to PSG and Newcastle. 

Speaking on Alexander-Arnold, Slot said: 'His situation is unfortunately that he is injured. For him, that means he is fully focused on his recovery. We're trying to help him to come back. We've never been focused on those talks.'

Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also nearing the end of their own deals, but Slot refused to criticise any of his star trio who are all facing uncertain futures.

Asked whether he was worried that Alexander-Arnold could leave in a matter of weeks, Slot replied: 'No. It's a situation that is there for eight or nine months now and I think that all these players have performed so well for us.'




Arne Slot has spoken about Trent Alexander-Arnold closing in on joining Real Madrid











Alexander-Arnold is expected to leave his boyhood club to move to Madrid on a free transfer

Slot did not reveal when Alexander-Arnold could return from his injury setback after the right back missed Liverpool's Carabao Cup final defeat due to the fitness issue he picked up against PSG. 

Alexander-Arnold will definitely not feature against Everton, but Slot did have more positive news on three other Liverpool players that could be in contention to play.

Ryan Gravenberch pulled out of international duty with the Netherlands due to injury, while Alisson returned to the UK early after taking a blow to the head during Brazil's win over Colombia.

Conor Bradley has also been absent in recent weeks with his own fitness problem, but Slot confirmed he is nearing a return.

'Ryan Gravenberch is fine,' Slot said. 'Alisson also trained with us. The final check-up will be later. 

'Conor ตัวคูณรางวัล Bradley is back with us, but he's only had a few sessions after being out for quite some time, so we have to make a smart decision.'

Liverpool have nine games left this season and a 12-point cushion at the top of the table despite their blip before the international break.

Slot believes his players will have benefitted from the break since losing at Wembley, and backed his team to deliver a strong performance against their arch-rivals on Wednesday night. 




Ryan Gravenberch is available to play against Everton on Wednesday night





Slot is set to make a late call on the availability of Conor Bradley following his injury layoff





'We are so looking forward to these nine games,' Slot added. 'Our players are refreshed. It's not all negative. 

'We played a final and we got beaten to a very good PSG team. I was proud of our performance against PSG. Maybe the best performance this season but unfortunately we lost on penalties.

'In the final stages of the season, every game matters. Nine finals, but it is for every team. 

'These games are very important for us, starting with Everton. Not only because it's the derby but because we're in such a great position as well.'


Real MadridTrent Alexander-ArnoldArne Slot