A video circulated on social media in the wake of Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on the south coast. It depicted Trent Alexander-Arnold in front of a charged away crowd, singing for their title-winning squad.
But Alexander-Arnold did not cut the figure of a jubilant hero, who has played an important role for his boyhood club in winning his second Premier League title. Indeed, the 26-year-old was unreadable, though perhaps the more cynical among us would suggest he looked forlorn, poignant.
The reality is probably more simple: Trent is joining Real Madrid as a free agent this summer and has been met with critical response, booed by his own fans at Anfield last weekend.
It’s a nuanced debate, but one which remains at its core a sorry conclusion to the Reds career of one of Liverpool’s greatest contemporaries, whose rise from the academy has been in line with the illustrious successes of Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot.
But he’s leaving with an atmosphere of hostility, and it’s a real shame that the whole saga was not carried out with more transparency and tact.
For example, Harvey Elliott may well join Alexander-Arnold in leaving the club this summer, but to a wholly different reaction, no doubt.
Harvey Elliott's post-Brighton comments
Elliott, 22, has been at Liverpool since he was 16, joining from Fulham. He’s played 146 appearances for the club, notching 35 goal contributions.
While Klopp hinted before he left that one of his biggest regrets was not giving Elliott more playing time, Slot has limited the rising midfielder’s action to that of a bit-part player, and his future is now being questioned.
Elliott scored against Brighton on Monday night, tapping in from close range following fine work from Conor Bradley.
He also assisted Dominik Szoboszlai’s fortuitous goal before half-time, though it was more of a ‘Busquets-esque’ pass than a flash of creative inspiration.
Still, Elliott has demonstrated his potency when called upon this year, scoring five goals and laying on three assists across all competitions despite only starting six times.
As per FBref, Elliott also ranks among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe this season for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 21% for shot-creating actions per 90.
In spite of all this, it’s looking ever more likely the young playmaker will be sold this summer, especially after his post-match comments.
Newcastle United have been named among Elliott’s admirers in recent weeks, and while it’s a tough pill to swallow, the ace might be right in admitting he needs to do the right thing for his career. FSG would be seeking out a £50m fee to let him leave.
And he’s not the only young star who faces the axe this summer, with Liverpool perhaps needing to sell Jarell Quansah too.
Why Liverpool must sell Jarell Quansah
In December 2023, Joel Matip’s professional career came to an abrupt end. He didn’t know it at the time, but the experienced Liverpool centre-half would be forced into retirement by the ACL injury sustained in a frenzied Premier League victory over Fulham.
Liverpool were a tad threadbare at the back, but up stepped all 6 foot 5 of Quansah from the academy; the year before, he’d been a fixture at Bristol Rovers in League One, but played an important role to guide Liverpool back into the Champions League.
Things haven’t gone so smoothly since Klopp left last summer, though, and the 22-year-old may now be sweating over his future on Merseyside, restricted to a peripheral role in Slot’s system.
After his rip-roaring start to senior life at Liverpool, Quansah has stumbled. He’s not yet fallen by the wayside, but there’s sure to be a concern over his campaign as a whole, with Tactically Matt saying he “never plays, and when he has this season, he’s not been good.”
The data pool is admittedly smaller, but who could argue Quansah has retained his lofty level since Slot took the reins? Who could say the young graduate is in a position of promise at Liverpool, confident in his chances of earning regular action next year?
Matches (starts)
17 (13)
13 (4)
Goals
2
0
Assists
0
0
Touches*
76.5
36.2
Pass completion
89%
92%
Key passes*
0.2
0.2
Ball recoveries*
4.2
1.5
Tackles + interceptions*
2.5
1.4
Clearances*
2.3
2.1
Duels (won)*
4.5 (64%)
1.6 (45%)
Errors
2x
2x
It’s all gone a bit awry, but Quansah is now a Premier League champion after playing an instrumental role in clinching the Carabao Cup last year.
Given that he’s been hailed for his “absolute monster” performances by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it’s clear the future is bright for this young buck. However, his future is a nebulous thing right now.
Powerful, dynamic and good on the ball, there’s a lot to like. There have, indeed, been flashes. Though such moments are better defined by a longer variation of the phrase: flashes in the pan.
He lacks that special something that characterised his maiden campaign as a first-team regular, and though there’s ample time for Quansah to rise back to the fore, Liverpool may be interested in cashing in, with Newcastle also interested in the defender.
While Football Insider have published a recent report suggesting Quansah could be allowed to leave on loan this summer, The Magpies have registered their interest in recent months, with The Times claiming in March Eddie Howe’s side felt confident a bid worth £30m plus add-ons could tempt FSG to cash in.
Liverpool are in need of sweeping changes this season and Slot’s reluctance to heavily rotate has proven a judicious call, for the Reds have faltered more often than not when playing without some of the stars of the show.
Quansash might feel somewhat scapegoated, but since Liverpool are making big-money moves, cashing in might be a good idea.
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