“Perhaps…” – Sky journalist wonders if Salah and Van Dijk staying might influence unexpected Trent contract decision

Mo Salah? Check! Virgil van Dijk? Check! But what about Trent Alexander-Arnold?

Two out of Liverpool’s three key figures with expiring contracts have now committed to the club until 2027, leaving only vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold still set to leave for free at the end of June.

According to David Ornstein, the England international is expected to join Real Madrid once his deal runs out, and Fabrizio Romano sees little chance of that changing—even after Salah and Van Dijk’s decisions to stay.

Could Trent still have a change of heart?
In response to Van Dijk’s contract extension, Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor believes there may still be room for a surprise regarding Trent’s future. While there hasn’t been the same level of optimism around him as there was with Salah or Van Dijk, O’Connor suggested that the duo’s renewed commitment could influence the right-back’s thinking.

He said: “Now we wait to see whether this deal has any influence on Trent Alexander-Arnold. Obviously we’re not hearing the noises out of him [that] we did from Salah or Van Dijk. There is that interest from Real Madrid but maybe the fact these two have signed new deals could influence him.”

Though surprises do happen in football, it still seems unlikely Trent will turn down Real Madrid at this point, even if staying would restore his standing with some fans, especially after recent signs of discontent.

He has just returned to training after injury, aiming to contribute before his expected summer departure. If he does play again for Liverpool this season, the crowd’s reaction will be telling—especially after recent fan frustration hinted by posters near Anfield.

If he does reverse course and signs a new deal, it would mark a major win for Liverpool, keeping hold of one of the world’s top right-backs. But even if he moves on, Salah and Van Dijk staying put is still a significant boost.

Regardless, it’s been a fantastic week for Liverpool fans—and with a Premier League title within reach, the best may be yet to come.