How do Liverpool replace Alexander-Arnold? | OneFootball

How Do Liverpool Replace Trent Alexander-Arnold? Assessing Options for a Post-Trent Future

Life after Trent: Planning for change at right-back

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool journey has been more than just a story of local lad made good. It’s been an era-defining chapter in the modern history of the club — a homegrown talent who revolutionised the full-back role and reshaped how Liverpool build attacks. But with a move to Real Madrid reportedly edging closer, the time has come for Liverpool to contemplate something they never wanted to: life without Trent.

Photo: IMAGO

While Arne Slot has publicly maintained that “nothing is sorted yet”, the mood around the club suggests otherwise. The 26-year-old has won every major honour in red, and while the emotional cost of his departure will be immense, it’s the footballing void that presents the greatest challenge.

What made Trent so unique was not simply his position, but how he played it. Right-back in name only, he was Liverpool’s creative hub, their quarter-back, their tempo-setter. Replacing that isn’t just about filling a spot in the back four — it’s about reimagining how this team moves the ball, breaks lines, and controls games.

What Liverpool will miss in Trent

Alexander-Arnold’s numbers speak for themselves. Year after year, he topped charts for chances created, progressive passes, and assists — not just among defenders, but across the Premier League. Under Jürgen Klopp, his role evolved from overlapping full-back in tandem with Andy Robertson to an inverted playmaker stepping into midfield.

Since Slot’s arrival, the tactical shape has shifted again, but Trent’s influence hasn’t waned. He continues to drift inside, acting as the bridge between defence and midfield, often drawing defenders away to create isolation for Mohamed Salah. That role demands supreme technical quality and vision. Few in Europe offer it from full-back.

Criticism over his defending has followed him throughout his career. But under Slot, there have been encouraging improvements. He’s averaging more tackles and interceptions than ever before, suggesting his off-the-ball contributions are catching up with his offensive output.

Losing that combination of creative brilliance and growing defensive reliability will hurt. So what next?

Can Conor Bradley fill the void?

The obvious internal solution is Conor Bradley. The Northern Ireland international has impressed whenever called upon, but circumstances have conspired against his momentum. Between recurring injuries and Trent’s status as first-choice, Bradley has managed just over 1,000 minutes this season.

Photo: IMAGO

Still, there is plenty to admire. The 21-year-old’s tenacity in duels, his aggressive pressing, and intelligent off-ball movement align well with Slot’s high-energy style. His underlapping runs and willingness to stretch defences offer a different look to Trent’s deeper playmaking.

In a small sample of league minutes last season, Bradley averaged 7.62 progressive receptions per 90 — a marker of his ability to receive passes in threatening areas. That verticality is useful. But can he carry the creative burden? That’s far less certain. And with his injury record, Liverpool may be forced to enter the market for external reinforcements.

Transfer targets to replace Trent

If Liverpool decides to sign a new right-back, it won’t simply be a like-for-like deal. Slot may look to reshape the backline entirely, especially if a replacement for Robertson is also needed. That makes stylistic fit all the more important. Here are three potential targets who could meet Liverpool’s needs in different ways.

Guela Doue – Strasbourg

At 22, Guela Doue is already showing the sort of consistency and maturity that Slot may value. A key figure at Strasbourg, Doue has adapted to various roles across the backline, including right-back, right wing-back, and even as a wide centre-back in a back three.

Photo IMAGO

Physically imposing, positionally sound, and technically assured, Doue’s game is built around forward momentum. He averages 6.8 progressive carries per match and is confident carrying the ball out from deep. That ball progression mirrors some aspects of Trent’s game, though Doue is more conservative in his positioning.

He also thrives in one-on-one defensive duels, a key quality for any full-back in Liverpool’s system. If Slot opts for a more balanced back four with one adventurous full-back and one more disciplined, Doue could be the ideal fit.

Anton Gaaei – Ajax

Dubbed the “Danish Beckham” for his precision crossing, Anton Gaaei has grown into Ajax’s first-choice right-back this season. His delivery is exceptional — powerful, low, and accurate. In 21 Eredivisie appearances, Gaaei has two goals and four assists, and his set-piece prowess adds another layer to his game.

What stands out is his ability to cross from both deep and advanced positions, hitting the byline or cutting back into the danger zone. In a recent De Klassieker against Feyenoord, he produced a pinpoint cross to set up the winner in stoppage time — the kind of composure Liverpool would welcome.

Photo IMAGO

Defensively, Gaaei is still learning, but his pace allows him to recover quickly. His overlap and underlap timing is sharp, and while he may not step into midfield like Trent, he can provide width and high-quality delivery consistently. At just 21, he represents a developmental project with real upside.

Martim Fernandes – Porto

Perhaps the most intriguing prospect is Porto’s Martim Fernandes. Just 19, Fernandes is already a key creative outlet for his side and has notched five assists in 21 appearances. He’s averaging 0.31 expected assists per 90 — a remarkable figure for a teenager.

Fernandes stays high and wide, pushing defences back with his positioning. He underlaps cleverly, shows confidence in tight spaces, and is an accomplished crosser, averaging 3.61 per match in the Portuguese top flight. His attacking style does carry echoes of Alexander-Arnold’s early days.

Photo IMAGO

Defensively, he has the engine and commitment to contribute, even if he remains raw. But for a club like Liverpool, where development pathways are clear and the environment is stable, Fernandes could be moulded into a long-term successor. His composure under pressure and final-third quality make him an exciting option.

Making the right decision

Replacing Trent isn’t just about finding the next best right-back. It’s about redefining what that role means within the system Slot wants to build. Whether Liverpool go all in on a creative replacement like Fernandes, opt for the defensive solidity of Doue, or bet on the crossing precision of Gaaei, the decision will shape the team’s identity going forward.

Slot may well look to rotate styles depending on the opponent. That would require depth and versatility — two things Liverpool lacked when they became overly reliant on Trent’s right boot.

There is no easy answer. Bradley deserves minutes. The market offers potential, but nothing that matches Trent’s unique profile. Ultimately, replacing a generational player requires more than one solution. It demands clarity of vision.

And while no one can replace Trent like-for-like, Liverpool must now find a way to evolve beyond him.