EXCLUSIVE: Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool REJECTION warning

Trent Alexander-Arnold let Liverpool know what was coming with a massive rejection warning. It’s now a full-blown crisis.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of this season. He’s not the only one, either - both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk can leave on a free transfer on July 1st.

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And while it still doesn't feel real to say, they can freely negotiate with non-English clubs from January 1st. Or Wednesday, if you'd prefer.

Yes, the time really is here. Liverpool could see all three sign contracts elsewhere by the end of the week, should they so wish.

But really, Alexander-Arnold is the only one of the trio who looks likely to leave. Anfield Watch understands Van Dijk will be staying, while signs with Salah are positive.

Real Madrid are eager to sign Alexander-Arnold, however. It appears his head has been turned, at the very least, and it makes certain decisions of the past look very interesting indeed.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's rejected contract

Anfield Watch understands this isn't the first time Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold had a disagreement over a contract. Back in 2021, when the Scouser signed his current deal, he actually rejected an offer from the club.

Liverpool wanted Alexander-Arnold to sign a six-year contract. Alisson Becker actually signed one for six years around that time and the right-back was given the same option.

He rejected it, though. Instead, Alexander-Arnold wanted a four-year contract - which brings us to where we are today.

The fact the player was eager for specifically a four-year contract was perhaps a clue that the 2024/25 renewal wouldn't be a straightforward one. It may be that he saw 2025 as the ideal time to leave, or maybe he just didn't want to lock himself to one contract for so long.

The 'whys' are unclear. All we know is that the contract rejection in 2021 was a warning of what was to come.

And Alexander-Arnold got what he wanted, ultimately: freedom to negotiate a major contract in his prime, with all of the power. We're all just waiting to see what he chooses.

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