The situation regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract at Liverpool is now becoming increasingly alarming.
Along with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, the legendary trio only have a year left before they become free agents.
With the board struggling to tie down new deals, fans are starting to worry that all three players will say their farewells at the end of the season, with the Reds getting no income in return.
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However, Liverpool are confident that homegrown talent Trent will sign a bumper new deal and if so, this will make him the highest-paid Liverpool player.
Trent set to revel in riches
A recent report by TEAMtalk has indicated that the Reds number 66 will sign a new deal silencing interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City.
The article identifies that ‘a new deal is set to be offered and despite the interest of Real Madrid and English rivals Man City there is a calm confidence at Anfield that the 25-year-old will stay. The contract that will be offered will be a huge bump in pay for Alexander-Arnold and bring him in line with Salah.’
‘The new contract for the England international would make him the highest-paid player at the club. The hope is also that he signs until 2030 on a new six-year deal.’
Of course, this will be music to supporters' ears. Securing the services of the talented right-back for six more years will be crucial in future title challenges.
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However, this seems incredibly unlikely. Liverpool are not known to offer deals such as this - it was a shock when they did for Mo Salah. Paying two players in that bracket would be unprecedented.
Per Capology, Salah is already the joint-third highest-paid player in the Premier League, along with Casemiro. Putting a second player on that level would be unlike anything Liverpool have ever done.
It would make Alexander-Arnold the highest-paid defender in Premier League history and while it isn't easily verified, likely football history.
With other contract costs to cover, if Trent starts earning the same as Salah, then Mo’s wages will increase even higher.
This is all speculation and the likelihood of it occurring seems low. Liverpool are hoping that any agreement is reached to keep the world-class defender.