Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has shut down speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future influenced the right-back’s performance against Manchester United on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold struggled during the 2-2 draw, giving the ball away in the build-up to United’s opening goal and failing to make a significant impact before being substituted in the 86th minute for Conor Bradley.
In the days leading up to the game, reports emerged that Liverpool had rejected an approach from Real Madrid, who were interested in signing the England international during the January transfer window.
This increased speculation about the defender’s future, especially with his contract set to expire in the summer.
Despite the rumours, van Dijk insisted that the 25-year-old’s performance was not influenced by off-field distractions.
When asked if the transfer speculation had affected Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk said: “No. I am fine with it.
Mohamed Salah has posted this photo of himself, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold…
What does it mean? 👀 #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/OZge8aSgkI
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 6, 2025
“Trent has his own people around him, his family, and we are there as well.
“He wants to perform in the best way possible like we all do. That is the main focus.”
The speculation around Alexander-Arnold is part of a broader narrative at Liverpool, with Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also approaching the final months of their contracts.
All three will be eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs beginning this month.
Van Dijk previously stated in October that contract extension talks had begun but revealed after the United game that there were no new developments regarding his situation.
Salah, meanwhile, recently admitted that negotiations over a new deal are far from progressing. “We are far away from any progress,” Salah said earlier this month.
Despite the ongoing contract dilemmas and transfer rumours, Salah posted a photo on social media following Sunday’s match, showing himself alongside Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.
