According to reports, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s right-back and one of the team’s stars, is currently under intense scrutiny. After returning from injury and amid peak transfer rumors, he scored a stunning goal in the 75th minute against Leicester City, securing a 1-0 victory for Liverpool. This goal, scored with a spectacular strike, has put Liverpool on the brink of winning the Premier League—only one more win or an Arsenal slip-up is needed. However, his celebration, which included throwing his shirt toward the corner flag, not only created an emotional moment for fans but also reignited debates about his contract situation.

Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in June 2025, has yet to make a clear statement about his future, unlike Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who have extended their contracts until 2027.

After the match against Leicester, he once again avoided discussing his contract status, saying: “I’ve said I won’t talk about my contract during the season. These days are always special. Scoring goals, winning trophies… being in these moments is special.” His silence has fueled speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid, who see him as a primary target to strengthen their right-back position next summer.

While Liverpool fans at King Power Stadium were thrilled by his goal, Jamie Carragher, a Liverpool legend, holds a different view. He believes that if Alexander-Arnold does not commit to staying next season, he should not be in the starting lineup.

Carragher told Sky Sports: “Liverpool is not a club that wants to hold farewell ceremonies for players.” Despite praising Alexander-Arnold’s unparalleled abilities with the ball, which he called “irreplaceable,” Carragher believes the uncertainty about his future harms the team. In contrast, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp strongly defended his player, calling any doubts about his commitment “ridiculous” and praising his efforts to return from injury and score the decisive goal.

Alexander-Arnold has scored 4 goals and provided 7 assists in 40 appearances this season. Throughout his career with Liverpool, he has 23 goals and 89 assists in 350 matches. His goal against Leicester was the first by a Liverpool substitute defender to secure a Premier League win since Martin Škrtel in 2011. His teammate Kostas Tsimikas also praised his character and effort, saying: “He is an incredible player and an even better person. He worked really hard to come back.”

However, Alexander-Arnold’s future remains uncertain. On social media, he wrote about “special moments” and thanked Liverpool fans for their unwavering support. The 26-year-old, who rose through Liverpool’s academy, is now in a paradoxical position: on one hand, he has brought the Premier League title closer to the fans, and on the other, the possibility of leaving the club he loves grows stronger each day. Focusing on enjoying the present, he said: “We are very close to the title… just one more win is needed.” If he joins Real Madrid, he will undoubtedly leave Anfield with a stellar legacy as a Liverpool legend.