Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has denied speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future had influenced the right-back’s performance against Manchester United on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold struggled in 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 for Conor Bradley in the 86th minute.
In the days leading up to the game, reports emerged that Liverpool had rejected an offer from Real Madrid, who were interested in signing the England international during the January transfer window.
This increased speculation about the defender’s future, particularly as his contract expires in the summer.
Despite the rumours, van Dijk insisted the 25-year-old’s performance was not affected by off-field distractions.
Asked whether Alexander-Arnold had been affected by the transfer speculation, van Dijk said: “No. I’m fine with that.
Mohamed Salah 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 too.
“He wants to perform to the best of his ability, just like we all do. That’s the main focus.”
The Alexander-Arnold speculation is part of a wider 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 from this month.
Van Dijk had already stated in October that negotiations over a contract extension had begun, but announced after the United game that there were no new developments regarding his situation.
Salah, meanwhile, recently admitted that negotiations over a new deal were far from progressing. “We are far from progress,” Salah said earlier this month.
Despite the ongoing contract dilemmas and transfer rumors, Salah posted a photo on social media after the game on Sunday, in which he was seen alongside Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.
