Liverpool contract extension for Trent Alexander-Arnold dispelled after mosaic theory

Liverpool fans speculating that an Anfield mosaic announcing a contract extension for Trent Alexander-Arnold is being covered by sheets are set to be left disappointed. A theory that a major announcement over the right-back’s future was being filmed in the Anfield Road Stand circulated online on Tuesday.

The source of the rumour was a post on social media platform X by @asim_lfc. His photo of the stand showed seat coverings that fans believed could provide a hint over Alexander-Arnold’s contractual situation.

England defender Alexander-Arnold has only a year remaining on his current deal and has been linked with Real Madrid. However, supporters theorised that he was set to sign an extension based on the material covering the seats at Anfield.

In the photo, they appeared to spell out either ‘66 2028’ or ‘66 2029’ - Alexander-Arnold’s long-term squad number alongside the year until which he had potentially penned a new deal. However, that theory has now been debunked.

The shape of the coverings is a complete coincidence, likely due to the wind on Merseyside. They have been laid out for over a fortnight to protect seats while work to repair the roof of the Anfield Road Stand remains ongoing.

That does not mean Alexander-Arnold will not sign a new contract, though. Liverpool are widely expected to continue talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over the coming months.

The same applies to Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who have also entered the final 12 months of their deals. Clubs from Saudi Arabia will likely reprise their interest in Salah this summer, a year after Al-Ittihad saw a world-record bid turned down by the Premier League side.

Arne Slot will be desperate to keep all three players, who were key figures of the core under previous head coach Jurgen Klopp. They were part of the team that won the Premier League, Champions League and an array of other titles during the German’s tenure.

Slot has inherited a talented squad from Klopp but is expected to make his own additions over the next few months. A new defender and a versatile forward are understood to be high on Liverpool’s agenda for the summer transfer window.

The new Reds boss is yet to make his first signing, although he has been linked with a blockbuster £49million move for Spain’s Euro 2024 hero Nico Williams, who could leave Athletic Bilbao.