"He has given everything to Liverpool " - Jamie Rednapp hits back at Jamie Carragher over comments on Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract saga
Football pundit Jamie Redknapp has slammed Jamie Carragher over his comments on Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 26-year-old Englishman has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid with his current contract with the Reds set to expire in June 2025.
Carragher addressed Arnold's future in a recent column in The Telegraph, opining that the Liverpool academy graduate could draw the ire of the Anfield faithful if he leaves for free next summer. Trent Alexander-Arnold will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid in January if his contract situation with the Reds remains the same.
In his column, Carragher advised Alexander-Arnold to sign a short-term deal with Liverpool so that the club doesn't have to let him go on a free transfer. However, Redknapp has hit back at Carragher, claiming that his demands are unfair.
Redknapp opined that Liverpool made a mistake by running down Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract and he should be allowed to move on as a free agent if he wants to. He said in a conversation with Carragher on Sky Sports (via Mirror):
"I think it is negligence from Liverpool, the fact they are in this position. If you are going to do that, you have to respect the decision he makes. A young player who has given everything, if he wants to try a different culture. If I was in the dressing room, I would go, ‘I would love you to sign, but good luck’. If there is a chance to go to Real, how do you turn that down?"
Carragher replied:
“If I was advising Trent, a lot of it is to do with the free transfer. It is that feeling that you are leaving us for nothing, where is our money to replace you? I would say, sign a contract, have a decent buyout clause and if Real want to buy you in 12 months…”
Jamie Redknapp responded:
“I think you’re being really, really unfair. You can’t turn around and tell him to sign a contract. If he gets injured after signing a contract, then what happens? He has got an opportunity for a five-year deal or whatever at Real and try something different. I have total respect for whatever it is he wants to do because he has given everything to Liverpool.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold's time at Liverpool in numbers
Trent Alexander-Arnold first joined Liverpool's academy in 2004 and progressed through their youth ranks. The Englishman made his debut for the Reds on December 14, 2016, against Middlesbrough FC under coach Jurgen Klopp. The Reds won the game 3-0.
Over the years, Trent Alexander-Arnold has become one of the best right-backs in Europe with his ability to contribute both in attack and defense. The Englishman is especially dangerous when going forward and has mastered the art of providing inch-perfect crosses into the penalty box. He has provided 85 assists across competitions in addition to 19 goals in 331 games played for the Reds.
Arnold has also won several trophies with his Merseyside club, including a UEFA Champions League (2019), a FIFA Club World Cup (2020), one Premier League (2020), a UEFA Supercup (2020), one English FA Cup (2022), two English League Cups (2022, 2024) and one English Super Cup (2023).
