Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid and risking your Liverpool legacy – Liverpool FC

As Liverpool head into their second international break of the season with Trent Alexander-Arnold's future still uncertain, Aaron Cutler wonders whether a free-kick exit would dent his legacy.

Liverpool are doing well; Arne Slot is heading into the second international break of the season as league leader and couldn't have wished for a better start to his term in office. Aside from the Nottingham Forest deviation, it has proven to be the smoothest transition.

But for all the positivity on the field, the uncertainty off the field serves to dampen optimism.

Contract extensions, or rather the lack of them, are a specter that hovers over the club on the eve of a crisis. What's more, an ever-increasing problem is looming as those involved can begin negotiating with overseas competitors as early as January.

The fact that it has come to this reflects poorly on those responsible.

Mitigating factors can certainly be cited, including a change of manager and sporting director, but risking losing three of their four truly world-class players in one summer is a dereliction of duty. It will be a major challenge to portray this doomsday scenario as anything other than a catastrophe.

While fans are not privy to private conversations, two of the three players in question have at least hinted at their desire to stay at Anfield. Of course, public statements of this nature can be a negotiating tactic in themselves, but given the personalities of Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah, one would like to believe that their intentions are genuine.

That leaves Trent Alexander-Arnold. From the outside, its long-term future appears to be the most uncertain and, given its roots, the most controversial.

Measured by a different standard

Rightly or wrongly, loyalty is demanded of local players, especially those who have graduated from the academy.

If Van Dijk or Salah left Liverpool next summer it would be unfortunate, but it would still be nice farewells. If Trent were to follow this example, he would risk burning bridges, and that's a dilemma he certainly anticipates.

Comparisons have obviously been drawn with Steven Gerrard, who shunned numerous advances to cement his legacy at club and city. However, another Scouser has previously charted a course away from L4.

Steve McManaman has proven there is life after Liverpool and that silver coins need to be hoovered up. One of the few comments Trent has made regarding the standoff over his contract is the importance of trophies.

With a contract at Real Madrid, access to the winner's ball is guaranteed, but in his case there is an entry price – for a cautionary tale, he need look no further than McManaman.

Younger fans may not appreciate how good a player “Macca” was. Questionable barnets and comments (Sloberszlai?) alike mean he is portrayed as something of a joke figure on social media. On the pitch he was anything but that.

As the creative focal point of Roy Evans' 90s side, he provided the creativity that made them one of the strongest teams of the era. In nine years he assisted 85 goals, placing him comfortably among the ten most creative players in our history – and still just above Trent.

He also played in two grand final victories and memorably scored both goals in the 1995 League Cup triumph.

He's a Liverpool legend in every sense of the word, and that's entirely because he ultimately ran out of contract. The first high-profile Bosman transfer and his decision to leave on a free transfer dented his legacy and reputation.

While no one would call McManamann unpopular, he is definitely not revered. He is more likely to receive a small round of applause than a standing ovation.

To be clear, he probably won't lose any sleep – two Champions League and La Liga medals will ensure that – but there must certainly be a tinge of regret at not being praised in the same way as his great friend Robbie Fowler.

Trent has a lot to think about in the coming weeks, but legacy will certainly be considered. Legend status is within reach, but taking a different path now will make the journey home a little more difficult. If you're leaving for free, it's best not to even bother.

He is the heir apparent to the captaincy, the man around whom Slots Liverpool would certainly be built and someone to whom a mural is dedicated outside Anfield. He's on the verge of realizing everything he's ever worked towards, and yet the bright lights of Madrid are a downer.

The self-proclaimed glamor club can delight even the most dedicated players.

This temptation only increases when one of your best friends, Jude Bellingham, makes advances.

Is it fair that he is held to different standards just because of his place of birth? Perhaps.

In any other walk of life, an employee would be encouraged to earn more and achieve more, especially in sunnier climates, and even more so if they have achieved all the KPIs at their current job (something Gerrard never managed).

But football is tribal and Liverpool is exceptional.

Behind closed doors

By saying he wanted to settle the situation in private, Alexander-Arnold bought himself time, but not much. With each week that passes, concern grows among the fan base. The longer this impasse continues, the greater the likelihood of discontent in the stands.

If we are no closer to a breakthrough in a month's time and the standards of the team and players are falling, there is a strong chance that the mood music will change and Trent will be in the firing line and his commitment will be questioned. That is the harsh reality of football.

Rumors of this nature were already evident following his reaction to being substituted against Brentford. Reports, albeit from Spain, also suggest that he has not responded to Liverpool's recent suggestions. There is a nervousness that can quickly turn into anger.

The prevailing opinion is that Trent has the right to take his time, but that patience may soon run out. We have already reached a point where his every move and expression is being examined. A season-ending injury to Madrid's current right-back Dani Carvajal has added to the fear.

If we reach Easter without a confirmed extension, he could face a gauntlet.

As for Liverpool, trust that the club has prepared a suitable offer for a player of his quality. Recent quotes from Messrs Van Dijk and Salah mean that even they cannot be taken for granted, but those in suits will be well aware that of the three, Trent is a must to get over the line.

Losing a player of his ability at this age and given his personal commitment to the club would be a huge blow and could not be described as anything other than that. It would not only weaken the team, but also our reputation on the world stage.

The biggest clubs keep their best players. There is a lot at stake and both sides have a lot to lose.