'His mentality is' - Conor Coady gives theory why Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn't signed new Liverpool contract

Trent Alexander-Arnold is still to sign a new Liverpool contract as he wants to see how things are faring after Jurgen Klopp’s departure. That is the verdict of Conor Coady, speaking on the BBC 5 Live’s Monday Night Club.

Alexander-Arnold has been an indispensable player since breaking through to the Reds’ first team from the academy. He’s developed into one of the best right-backs in the world and helped Liverpool win seven major trophies including the Champions League and Premier League.

In total, the 25-year-old has made 310 appearances, scoring 19 appearances and recording 79 assists. Last summer, he was appointed Anfield vice-captain.

But Alexander-Arnold - along with Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk - is about to enter the final 12 months of his current contract. Reports have suggested that Real Madrid are admirers of the England international, who presently will be available on a free transfer in 2025.

Alexander-Arnold was given his chance by Klopp and was in tears during the German’s final match as manager last weekend. Arne Slot has succeeded Klopp in the Liverpool hot seat after being prised from Feyenoord.

Coady, who came through the youth ranks at Anfield, has given his theory that Alexander-Arnold will want to get a feel for whether the Reds will continue competing in the upper echelons of the Premier League before committing his future.

The former England international said: “What I will say about Trent is he'll be sitting there thinking - because he is a player desperate to play at the highest level every single season. He's that good but his mentality is to play and fight for titles every season.

“I definitely think - not the reasons he is kind of running it down - but Jurgen Klopp made his announcement quite early. Him knowing Jurgen Klopp is leaving and how close he was to Jurgen Klopp, I definitely think he'll be looking into the new season and going: 'How have we started, how are we playing, has much changed, are we playing catch-up to teams quite early?' That might be a reason on the contract situation.”