Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has indicated a desire to see Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Anfield in the future, despite the right-back’s move to Real Madrid last summer. Gerrard revealed his sentiments while speaking to BFM Radio in Kuala Lumpur, stating he “wished and hoped that Trent didn’t leave.”
Alexander-Arnold, a product of Liverpool’s academy, spent 21 years with the club before departing on a free transfer at the end of his contract. His exit was met with frustration from some supporters, who felt the club should have secured a transfer fee for the homegrown talent. While his first season at the Bernabeu has been without silverware, with 21 starts across LaLiga and the Champions League, Gerrard believes Alexander-Arnold’s quality is undeniable.
Gerrard acknowledged the player’s right to make his own career decisions but emphasized the difficulty in replacing a player of Alexander-Arnold’s caliber. He hopes that a return to Liverpool could materialize at some point, though no timeframe was suggested. The 27-year-old initially joined Liverpool’s youth system at the age of six, progressing through the ranks to become a key figure in the first team.
Beyond Alexander-Arnold, Gerrard also addressed the future of Curtis Jones, another academy graduate. With Jones entering the final year of his contract, speculation surrounds his potential departure. Gerrard urged Liverpool’s ownership group, FSG, to prioritize retaining Jones, highlighting the importance of maintaining a local identity within the squad. He believes Scouse players understand the club’s demands and the expectations of the fanbase due to their upbringing in the city.
However, reports from Liverpool FC journalist David Lynch suggest contract talks with Jones have stalled, increasing the likelihood of a summer transfer. Sources at TEAMtalk have indicated interest from Aston Villa, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Inter Milan. Despite this, Gerrard remains adamant that Jones should remain at Anfield, stating he “wouldn’t allow Curtis Jones to leave.” Alexander-Arnold’s potential return, while currently speculative, would represent a significant boost to Liverpool’s squad, while retaining Jones would solidify the club’s commitment to its local roots.
