What does Trent Alexander-Arnold's celebration vs West Ham mean for Liverpool?

Trent Alexander-Arnold has hit back at his critics with a goal and, in particular, celebration against West Ham.

Rumours have been swirling about Trent’s Liverpool future as the January transfer window approaches.

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He has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer for quite some time now, with fans growing uneasy at the prospect of an official agreement being reached early in January to confirm the end of his time at the club.

While a January transfer has been ruled out by both sides, the expectation is that he will leave on a free transfer at the end of his contract this summer.

Reports in Spain indicated that a deal was 90% done before kickoff against West Ham, which sent fans into a frenzy online - understandably upset at what feels like a growing inevitability that he will leave.

It was the closest we have come to an official confirmation of his future and feels like a full-court press from Real Madrid in their efforts to convince everyone they are getting their man.

It meant fans went into Sunday’s game at the London Stadium wondering what kind of performance to expect from Alexander-Arnold.

After a quiet first half, he stepped up to score a long-range strike to make it 4-0 early in the second half.

It was a good goal from Alexander-Arnold, but his celebration is what has Liverpool fans talking.

After his goal, Trent ran towards the travelling Liverpool fans and puts his hand to his ear in a universally common gesture for the words “all talk.”

It’s a clear response to the furore that we’ve seen in the last 24 hours and could be a big hint that he is still yet to make a decision on his future, despite reports from Spain.

Could Trent’s celebration be a ploy?

A big factor in any Alexander-Arnold transfer will be Jude Bellingham. His England teammate has been promoting Madrid as a destination.

Bellingham himself is no stranger to transfer speculation, having been the most sought-after player in the world in 2023 when he joined Madrid.

Before that transfer was confirmed, Bellingham made a similar celebration to Alexander-Arnold in a game against Wolfsburg.

Just weeks before signing for Madrid, he made a ‘blah-blah’ hand gesture while, according to the Daily Record, appearing to shout"F*** the talk, I'm staying."

Bellingham, of course, didn't stay much longer after that. Let’s hope it’s not a case of history repeating itself here.

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