Liverpool look like they could be working on a surprise player to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold - opinion

01/01/2025 10:00 AM

Liverpool’s Premier League title run-in under Arne Slot could be Trent Alexander-Arnold’s swansong at Anfield.

The 26-year-old is yet to sign an extension and with his current deal running out at the end of the season, there remains a big chance he could leave his boyhood club.

Real Madrid are desperate to sign Alexander-Arnold and even lodged a bid to snap him up in January, which was emphatically turned down by the Reds.

There isn’t a player like him in world football, so if he were to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, Slot and co would need to think out of the box to replace what he brings on the pitch.

Rayan Cherki could be Liverpool’s answer to replace Alexander-Arnold’s creativity

Replacing a player of Alexander-Arnold’s calibre and skillset is almost impossible as what he offers as a right-back is unique.

Granted, Liverpool won’t find it difficult to find someone who can do the job defensively, but in terms of what the England international offers in the final third in terms of crosses, set-piece delivery and occasional goals, it’s going to be a difficult challenge.

Conor Bradley is already at the club and has shown that he is more than capable of holding his own against the big boys.

If Alexander-Arnold departs, Slot is likely to give the youngster to cement his spot in the team as an in-house solution could save Liverpool a lot of money.

Now, in terms of his creativity, Liverpool could look to sign an exciting number ten to make up for Alexander-Arnold’s departure, ensuring the overall balance of the team remains intact.

Enter, Rayan Cherki.

The gifted Frenchman has always been hailed as an outrageous talent and has developed admirably at Lyon over the years.

Cherki has keen admirers at Anfield and Liverpool’s interest dates back to a few months ago, which is a sign that the club believes in his creative brilliance.

With Bradley at right-back and Mohamed Salah on the right wing, Cherki’s addition as a number ten or an advanced midfielder on the right would complete what would be a well-rounded trio.

And judging by all the reports we’ve seen so far, the French international, who has been described as an exceptional talent by Laurent Blanc (via GFFN) is clearly on Liverpool’s radar.

Cherki’s numbers this season

Cherki has six goals and seven assists across all competitions this season and could well be on the move in the summer transfer window.

His underlying numbers on Whoscored also make for impressive reading, with the Frenchman making 2.6 key passes per game with a pass accuracy of 82.5%.

Liverpool need to think out of the box to replace a player like Alexander-Arnold, but with Bradley at right-back and Cherki as a number ten, they might just be able to get the overall balance of the team right.

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