Liverpool’s Next Move: Who Steps Up if Trent Alexander-Arnold Leaves?

Preparing for a Post-Trent Era

There’s a quiet inevitability to it now. Trent Alexander-Arnold, the homegrown heartbeat of Liverpool’s modern success, may be entering his final months at Anfield. At 26, his contract ticks down, and suitors grow bolder. Replacing him won’t be a matter of finding a like-for-like – that player doesn’t exist. Instead, Liverpool’s task is to evolve.

Alexander-Arnold has long been more than just a right-back. His passing range, vision, and orchestration of play have redefined the position. But under Arne Slot, the demands have shifted. No longer drifting into midfield with regularity, Alexander-Arnold now operates from a more traditional starting position in the build-up — a tactical tweak reflecting Slot’s insistence on structure.

Still, his fingerprints remain on Liverpool’s attacks. Long balls into the channels, particularly those aimed for Mohamed Salah, remain potent weapons. He may be crossing less – down to 5.8 per 90 minutes this season, from a peak of 10.8 – but his influence hasn’t faded. It’s simply morphed.

Bradley’s Case for the Role

Slot may have already signalled his preferred successor. Conor Bradley’s emergence in the past year has brought him firmly into the frame. His star turn against Chelsea – a goal and two assists in a 4-1 win – underlined his readiness.

Bradley is no clone of Alexander-Arnold. In fact, his profile is more traditional. His touch map shows a player hugging the line, offering width, not orchestration. What he lacks in finesse, he compensates for in athleticism and timing. His underlapping runs and vertical sprints open space, even when he doesn’t touch the ball.

Bradley’s willingness to dart infield or race beyond defenders adds unpredictability to Liverpool’s right flank. But questions remain over whether the club will trust the Northern Ireland captain with the shirt full-time or bolster the position with another option.

Frimpong, Porro, and Outside Options

If Liverpool look elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong stands out. His 14 goals and 10 assists last season marked him as more “wing” than “back.” Slot would need to reshape his midfield cover if Frimpong’s attacking inclinations were to be accommodated. His off-ball vertical surges are relentless, but his involvement in build-up play is lighter — a marked contrast to what Alexander-Arnold brings.

Pedro Porro, meanwhile, offers a middle ground. With 44 chances created this season and 109 open-play crosses, the Tottenham man thrives on progressive play. His ability to support inside runs could suit Slot’s vision, but prising him from Spurs would be a battle.

Former Feyenoord man Lutsharel Geertruida is another familiar name. Slot trusted him with various roles across defence and midfield, and his versatility could complement Bradley well. However, after only recently joining RB Leipzig, a swift return to Slot’s side may be unlikely.

Navigating a Complex Transition

Replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold was never going to be straightforward. Liverpool aren’t just losing a right-back – they risk losing a cornerstone of their identity. But the club’s recruitment history suggests they won’t panic. Whether it’s trusting in Bradley, pursuing a high-profile addition like Frimpong or Porro Liverpool must weigh evolution against tradition.

One thing is clear: if this is the end of Alexander-Arnold’s Anfield chapter, the next one must be written with equal imagination.