Alan Shearer tips Liverpool to sign Champions League star after Gakpo meeting

Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will be leaving Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season – and the Reds have long been linked with his replacement

Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool and now the question is how do the Reds replace him? The England defender is leaving Anfield when his contract expires, expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old is wanted by Los Blancos for the Club World Cup and they’re looking to seal a move before that competition gets underway next month. That’ll mean paying Liverpool a nominal fee – or they’ll have to wait until his contract expires on July 1 to seal a deal, meaning he’ll only be available for the latter stages of the competition in America, which FIFA are hyping to the hilt.

But when Alexander-Arnold is gone, the question returns to how Arne Slot replaces him. And Alan Shearer’s eye has been drawn to an Inter Milan star who may be on the verge of European glory.

The former Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and England hero told Betfair: “Although Denzel Dumfries plays in a completely different system with Inter, there’s no doubt that when I’ve seen him in that system, he’s shone. His energy has been incredible and the most impressive thing for me is how good he’s been in forward positions.

“He got a couple of goals, the assist in the semi-finals. Defensively is a different question, but certainly offensively he’s a very, very good player.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal handed Isak boost, Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold plan, Man Utd problemREAD MORE: Arne Slot compares Conor Bradley to PSG star as Liverpool move on from Trent Alexander-Arnold

“Arne Slot will know him better than anyone being a fellow Dutchman.

“Signing for Liverpool would be an option, but he’s got the chance of winning the Champions League and he’s also got a chance of winning the league so he’s obviously in a very healthy position. “

Dumfries turned heads with his displays in Inter’s thrilling semi-final clash with Barcelona in the past two weeks. He scored twice in the first leg and then played a hand in key goals in the second as Inter claimed a remarkable 7-6 aggregate victory.

After Inter’s success, the 29-year-old was spotted with Liverpool ace Cody Gakpo for birthday celebrations. That get-together – a few days before Liverpool face Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday – unsurprisingly sparked curiosity.

Meanwhile, on Alexander-Arnold’s exit, Shearer said: “Trent Alexander-Arnold’s announcement video was a classy thing to do. He did it the right way. He obviously didn’t want to say anything publicly beforehand, which I respect and I understand why he did that.

“I understand the pull of Real Madrid and why he wants to do it. He’s won everything at Liverpool and I think it’ll suit him there. He’s going to a club that has to win the biggest trophies and it looks as if he’s going to a club that will have a new manager.

“He’ll go to a new club, a new environment and a new everything. He can absolutely go to Real Madrid and win things.”

And in Madrid, Alexander-Arnold is set to have a new manager, with former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso set to take over from Carlo Ancelotti.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.