Trent Alexander-Arnold is worth at least £100million – but there will always be question marks over his future.
That’s the view of Darren Bent, who has insisted that his impending summer exit to Real Madrid will be a huge blow to Liverpool.
Commenting on his expected free transfer switch to Real, Bent said on Drive: “When it comes to contracts nowadays and the lengths of contracts, the players now have got all the power, it’s as simple as that.
“Because if Liverpool knew they were going to lose him, they would probably prefer to sell him, because Trent, for a right-back the way that he plays, he’s [worth] £100m, easy.
“So they would have liked to have got that, but unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out that way, maybe they felt they could have convinced him to stay, but it doesn’t look like they’ve managed to do that.”
He added: “He’s been absolutely outstanding, absolutely fantastic for Liverpool, but there will always be question marks about his defending.”
Bent continued: “But you’re never going to get someone who can give you that output going forward and then defensively be top level.
“It’s very rare you get someone who can produce the goods like he does, dead ball specialist, his range of passing, his crossing, everything he does with a football is wonderful.
“And then defensively be like [Paolo] Maldini, it just doesn’t happen, you’re going to have to suffer somewhere.”
Manchester City’s judgment day might be just around the corner, according to football finance expert Stefan Borson.
Borson joined Simon Jordan and Jim White on Wednesday morning, as the footballing community holds its breath in anticipation of the verdict for the Citizens.
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Borson believes we could soon see a decision on Man City’s charges
The charges involve breaching financial fair play rules over a staggering nine-year span, from 2009 to 2018.
Additionally, they face accusations of failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations into their financial practices.
White posed a crucial question to Borson about the likelihood of receiving a verdict in the coming weeks.
He said: “It would make a lot of sense, wouldn’t it? In court, you’d say that’s completely irrelevant because the judges don’t care about whether it’s convenient commercially for the parties.
“But remember, this is a commercial arbitration of sorts, and therefore they may well be inclined to fit within the two parties’ preferences. You would think their preferences would be this week or next week, during the international break. That would make sense.
“There are a few indicators that it’s not imminent. Our friend Lord Pannick was not busily reading a draft decision that had been presented to him last night; he was in the House of Lords looking very pleased with himself, talking about expensive lawyers in the debates about the independent football regulator.
“So he was not in Chambers reading any decision that has been provided to him in advance of release. As you say, it would make sense for it to be in the next few days, but it’s equally not certain.”
“I hope you don’t mind me quoting what you just said during the commercial break, Stefan,” White interjected.
“You said, whatever happens when it drops, there’s going to be chaos. What do you mean?”
Borson added: “It’s very likely to be an extensive document, possibly hundreds of pages long, with an executive summary right at the front.
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City’s charges involve breaching financial fair play rules over a nine-year periodCredit: Getty
“There are going to be a lot of nuances, a lot of revelations. If it’s everything that we’ve expected about the number of charges that have been presented, it’s possible that a lot of that stuff dropped off.
“Even if the outcome is simple, even in the best-case scenario for Man City, where most of it is dismissed, let’s say only cooperation is found against them, there will still be things in there that people will want to spin a certain way, their enemies around the table, shall we say. They will still want to make certain suggestions about why the Premier League case didn’t succeed.
“On the other side, of course, if the worst comes to the worst for City, then there’s going to be some unbelievable stuff in there. It will likely be forced to say that a lot of people have been very naughty and have lied significantly and on multiple occasions to multiple parties over many years.
“Either way, it’s going to explode upon release, and how are people going to process a document like this? In terms of a decision and judgment, this might be one of the most scrutinized judgments in the history of the world. Because people don’t usually read decisions outside of legal analysis, but most of the world is interested in football, so it’s going to be interesting to take a look at.
White further inquired about Sky Sports reportedly advising their pundits to refrain from hasty judgments and to focus on the facts when the decision arrives.
“The problem that Sky has, of course, is if it goes against City, then the big question is not just for the Premier League but also for Sky: what do we make of the last decade of Premier League football?” Borson explained.
Manchester City’s 115 charges
Failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information (2009-2018) – 54
Failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation (2009-2018) – 14
Failure to comply with UEFA’s regulations, including Financial Fair Play Regulations – 5
Breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability regulations (2015-2018) – 7
Failure to co-operate with Premier League investigations (2018-2023) – 35
“That will be a big issue for Sky, and that’s why I think they will be even more concerned about the way this is presented compared to some other outlets. They have a big stake in this game; that’s why this is a very dangerous case for the Premier League and its partners. If it goes against City, then clearly there are big question marks over all of the ownership since 2009.”
When the Premier League charged City in 2023, the press release highlighted alleged breaches totaling 115, though it’s believed the actual figure has risen to 130.
During this time, Man City—a club that has firmly denied all allegations—has celebrated three Premier League titles.
The Premier League’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations exist to ensure clubs spend only what they earn.
However, it’s possible to navigate around these rules, potentially by inflating reported earnings or concealing expenses.
Manchester City star Abdukodir Khusanov gifted £135k luxury item immediately after arriving for international duty for Uzbekistan
Within the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and FFP context, artificially boosting revenue could, in theory, permit a club to invest more in transfers and wages.
According to the Premier League, Man City is accused of violating these rules across nine seasons by allegedly failing to provide accurate financial information.
Among the charges against the club is the claim that they did not fully disclose the financial compensation awarded to one of their managers over a four-year period.
While Stefan Borson suggests a decision could be imminent, the footballing world will have to remain patient for the final verdict on Manchester City.
Liverpool could be set for a summer of upheaval as three of their key players’ futures remain up in the air.
The Reds are in pole position to lift the Premier League title, but they may well have to start planning for life without Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold heading into next season.
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Liverpool could be without their three most influential players next termCredit: Getty
There have been growing fears that all three stars could leave Anfield in the summer, when their current contracts set to expire.
As yet, little progress appears to have been made on new deals for the trio, and club legend Robbie Fowler believes it is highly unlikely that each of the iconic figures will stay at Liverpool.
Appearing on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan the day after the Reds’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle, the former striker hinted at a busy summer ahead on Merseyside.
“From a Liverpool fan point of view, you’re mega disappointed if any of them don’t sign,” Fowler said.
“I don’t think the three of them will, if I’m being totally honest. But it’s going to be one of those things with Liverpool now.
“Certainly after the performance yesterday from some of the players when they’d see him, I think Arne Slot knows that he’s maybe going to have a big summer planned because he’ll probably want to bring his own players in.
“So regardless of those players staying or going, you know that there’s going to be a few incomings anyway. So if it’s those players, so be it.”
With some huge departures potentially on the cards in the coming months, here is how Liverpool could line up next campaign without Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.
Goalkeeper Alisson is almost certain to remain first choice between the sticks, having established himself as one of the world’s best in his position.
Milos Kerkez has started all of Bournemouth’s Premier League games this seasonCredit: Getty
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Marc Guehi’s form at Crystal Palace has seen him become a regular in the England squadCredit: Getty
Left-back is the first position where fans could see movement, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez heavily linked with a move to Anfield.
talkSPORT previously confirmed the Hungarian is on Liverpool’s radar, with a transfer meaning that mainstay full-back Andy Robertson would have to make way for him.
With captain Van Dijk’s future hanging in the balance, having admitted he has ‘no idea‘ if he will be staying or leaving, discussions will surely be taking place over who will partner Ibrahima Konate at centre-back next term.
One player who could fill the Dutchman’s shoes is Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
According to the Mirror, the Reds are leading the race to sign the England international, who would prefer a move to the north west ahead of other potential suitors Newcastle and Chelsea.
Meanwhile, should Alexander-Arnold decide on pastures new, with Real Madrid the likely destination, head coach Slot will have to plan for life without the playmaking right-back.
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Alexander-Arnold may have played his last game for Liverpool, with injury potentially ruling him out until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
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Conor Bradley has made 50 appearances in all competitions for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
But he may already have a ready-made successor here, with Conor Bradley previously proving himself a more than capable replacement.
The Northern Irishman has established himself as an important squad player since his emergence under Jurgen Klopp, including starting in last year’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.
But the league leaders may have to bolster their engine room back-up options, with Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo both being highlighted as players who could move on in the summer.
Moving into the front line, the potential departure of talisman Salah will have a huge impact on how the league leaders shape up.
While the ‘Egyptian King’ has starred from the right hand side, the Reds have no shortage of attacking firepower out wide, namely in the shape of regular starters Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.
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Alexander Isak’s goal against Liverpool sealed Newcastle’s recent League Cup winCredit: Getty
This could prompt the Reds to deploy the pair on either wing, and instead look to replace the loss of Salah’s huge goalscoring threat by signing a new striker.
Darwin Nunez has been inconsistent leading the line, while injuries have prevented Diogo Jota from a consistent run in the role.
The Swede has ranked among the Premier League’s top scorers since his move to England in 2022, and currently sits third in the goalscoring charts this term, behind Erling Haaland and Salah.
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Here is how Liverpool could line-up at the beginning of next season
Manager Pep Guardiola compared Haaland to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi when asked about the potential record before the match.
Guardiola said: “I’ve been with Messi, but it’s incredible what Erling has done. And I want more. I want more for Erling.
Fastest players to 100 Premier League goal involvements
Player
Apps
Goals
Assists
Erling Haaland
94
84
16
Alan Shearer
100
79
21
Eric Cantona
116
58
42
Mohamed Salah
116
73
27
Sergio Aguero
118
77
23
Thierry Henry
121
72
29
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
122
70
30
Les Ferdinand
126
77
23
Andrew Cole
127
62
38
Matthew Le Tissier
128
62
38
Harry Kane
128
87
13
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Haaland has returned to form after a barren spellCredit: AFP
“He has to help us. He has to help us more and more and more to achieve what we want to do this season.
“But the numbers are unbelievable since he arrived. Being part of that in every game.
“Hopefully he can reach you know that the little record [100 Premier League goal involvements] tomorrow.”
By Haaland’s lofty standards, the 2024/25 season has been below-par, although that reflects an underwheling campaign for City overall.
Watch Erling Haaland show off brand new £200k Porsche after signing mega £865k-a-week deal at Manchester City
Guardiola’s men are fighting to finish inside the top four, having won the Premier League title four times in a row – and the Spaniard puts it down to a increased quality in the English top-flight.
“We helped to raise the bar in the Premier League,” he said. “People want to do good. The people are well-organised, have good structures, good decisions, good players everywhere.
“I am an old guy, I’m the oldest manager here, nine years. So I know the evolution of the Premier League has been massive.
“And I spoke with my colleagues, some of them with Enzo [Maresca], Mikel [Arteta], and [they] have the same opinion. It’s incredible how they change and it’s good. It’s really good for the Premier League.
“We have the feeling right now that, all of us, we play the next 10 games – every game, it doesn’t matter – name one, will be tough.”
Guardiola added: “The season has been not good but we still have 10 games, two months ahead before the [Club] World Cup; mentally, next season.
“10 games with our people, come to support us because we’re in difficult circumstances and just try, with all our energy and positivity we have to achieve a success. Still we can survive and be there.”
We have the starting XIs in for Newcastle United versus Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fifth round.
It’s mixed news for the hosts, who welcome Alexander Isak back up front after he sat out the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in midweek with a groin problem.
Joelinton also returns from injury.
However, there is no Sven Botman or Lewis Hall, with the latter suffering from an ankle problem.
He is set to see a specialist to assess the severity, and the Toon will hope it’s nothing with the Carabao Cup final on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Brighton have won their last four in a row, and there is just one change from the side that beat Bournemouth 2-1, with Jack Hinshlewood in for Diego Gomez.
Bayern Munich will not stand in Joshua Kimmich’s way if he wants to leave this summer, with strong interest from the Premier League.
talkSPORT understands Arsenal have held talks with the versatile German star who could be available on a free transfer, while Liverpool are no longer in the race.
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Kimmich is a summer transfer target for ArsenalCredit: Getty
Kimmich sees his contract at Bayern Munich expire at the end of the season which would bring an end to a decade-long stay at the club.
It was reported this week that Bayern withdrew their offer of a new contract for the 30-year-old – news that has now been confirmed by sporting director Max Eberl.
The Bayern chief spoke to the media after Friday night’s 3-1 victory over Stuttgart, where all the talk after the game was about Kimmich’s future.
“If the truth is out there in public, then that’s how it is,” he said.
“Generally, no one is above the club. If a player decides differently, then he decides differently. Then things will continue at FC Bayern.
“There were great players here at FC Bayern who eventually had to leave the club because they couldn’t reach an agreement and their contracts ran out. Then it all just keeps happening.
“But we are not at that point. That was speaking very generally.”
It is said negotiations have taken place over the past few months but Kimmich has hesitated to put pen to paper on an agreement.
Talks remain ongoing, but there is an increased chance that the German international could leave in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal have taken the steps to express their interest by holding talks with Kimmich ahead of the market reopening.
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Arteta could be set for a midfield revamp ahead of next seasonCredit: Getty
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Kimmich is the current captain of the Germany national teamCredit: Getty
However, it is also understood that Premier League rivals Manchester City are also monitoring the German.
Liverpool were also believed to be keeping tabs on Kimmich’s contract situation at Bayern, but talkSPORT understands the Reds have no plans to follow up their interest with a formal move.
“There is a lot of speculation,” added Eberl. “I have never commented on the interim results. I am not doing that now either, because that is not appropriate. We treat each other with great respect and we talk.
“What is important is how Josh and we as a club treat each other. That is on an equal footing and very respectful.”
Arsenal are set to see Jorginho and Thomas Partey leave the club this summer upon the expiration of their contracts.
Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino would remain as their central midfield options, although Kai Havertz has also played there.
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Arsenal are planning for the departures of midfielder duo Partey and Jorginho in the summerCredit: Getty
talkSPORT reported last month that Arsenal have held talks at an advanced stage for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spaniard looks set to join in a £51million move in the summer and could be one of two midfield arrivals alongside Kimmich.
Kimmich can also play at right-back – a position both Liverpool and City may need to strengthen this summer with Trent Alexander-Arnold widely expected to join Real Madrid and Kyle Walker also set to leave Man City after his loan spell at AC Milan.
The Germany nation team captain has made 426 appearances for Bayern across ten-year spell with the giants, having joined in 2015 from fellow Bundesliga side RB Leipzig,
He has won the German league title eight times, with a ninth looking likely this season as Bayern sit top of the table, and was also part of their Champions League winning squad in 2020 as he was crowned UEFA’s Defender of the Season.
Kimmich has won 97 caps for Germany, with a century of international appearances due to be achieved this year.
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