Trent Alexander-Arnold Signs Five-Year Contract Extension

The goal for the summer is still trying secure Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keïta (some verticality, please) with a compromise at left back figuring somewhere between the two remaining top targets. However, keeping talented young players around is part of Jürgen Klopp’s plans for reviving Liverpool FC.

Eight months after his last deal, Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed a five-year contract extension to commit his long-term future to his local club. The 18-year-old is set to be Nathaniel Clyne’s understudy at right back this season—underlining how highly the Scouser is rated at the club. He is dynamic, good on the ball, enterprising, and quick despite needing to fill out more.

“It’s exciting, a proud moment for me and my family,” Alexander-Arnold told the official site about signing a new deal at his boyhood club. “I’m excited for the good times ahead, hopefully. Knowing that the manager has got faith in you and having that belief behind you means a lot.

“Obviously it makes me feel like I am part of his plans going forward. It makes me feel good. It signals a chance and faith from the manager once again. Over the last 12 months he has shown in many different ways the faith that he has in young players and in me personally.

“I’m happy to have his faith and hopefully I can repay him by doing well when I get the chance.”

For Klopp, it’s a chance that has been earned by a player with the necessary potential, humility, and ambition to excel. It's clear that Alexander-Arnold features heavily in Klopp’s plans for the years ahead, and for young players with talent, the manager stressed that Liverpool is an arena where progress will not go unrewarded along with the opportunities that accompany such forward strides.

“It is fantastic news and brilliant that the club have again rewarded his progress,” Klopp remarked. “I think our appeal to young players with the right attitude is clear: if they commit to their football we will make sure we do well for their present and futures.

“Trent and the people he has in his life - personally and professionally - make such smart decisions. I love that he is so humble, yet has such big ambitions. This is a wonderful mixture.

“The club have made it clear to all our young players that as they grow and improve so will our commitment to them. This is an example of that. We offer opportunity - that's key to what we believe in - but we also offer a culture where progress is rewarded. Trent has earned this new deal.”

There are a clutch of young players coming through, but Alexander-Arnold is certainly one of the very brightest talents at the club.