Paul Joyce hints that a West Ham player’s performance at Anfield could push Liverpool to make a move in the transfer market.

Paul Joyce hints that Lucas Paquetá’s performance at Anfield could push Liverpool into the transfer market this summer in search of creativity—especially with Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to depart.

Trent has long been Liverpool’s primary creative outlet from right-back, but with his expected move to Real Madrid edging closer, the Reds could face a significant creative gap.

In his match analysis for The Times following Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over West Ham, Joyce praised Paquetá’s influence and questioned whether anyone in Arne Slot’s current squad could replicate that level of creativity if Trent does leave.

He wrote: “To see Paquetá weaving his magic prompted the question of where Liverpool’s creativity will come from, especially if Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer. The transfer market may have to provide the solution.”

Is a creative signing necessary for Liverpool?
Interestingly, while Trent has been pivotal creatively in recent years, it’s Mohamed Salah who’s been the club’s top assist provider this season, notching 23—15 more than Luis Díaz, who sits second. Meanwhile, midfielders like Curtis Jones, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Mac Allister have combined for 21 assists, averaging just over five each—highlighting room for improvement.

Liverpool have traditionally relied heavily on full-backs for creativity, and potential reinforcements could continue that trend. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has delivered six assists from left-back this season, while Jeremie Frimpong has registered 11 for Bayer Leverkusen on the right.

If Trent does leave, his creative spark will undoubtedly be missed. And even though Salah remains under contract for a few more seasons, Liverpool would be smart to ensure they aren’t left short of ingenuity in the final third.

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