Cody Gakpo may have given a significant clue regarding the future of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold’s contract expires at the end of the season, and widespread reports have linked him with a free transfer to Real Madrid.
While no official announcement has been made, Liverpool had already secured the futures of captain Virgil van Dijk and star forward Mo Salah shortly before claiming their second Premier League title.
Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp suggested after their title win that the contract uncertainties surrounding the three senior players actually served as motivation for the squad, rather than being a distraction as many had feared.
Alexander-Arnold remains the only key player yet to commit, and he remained tight-lipped about his future after scoring in Liverpool’s previous match during a post-game interview with Sky Sports.
On Sunday, following Liverpool’s title-clinching 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, Gakpo added to the speculation with a remark that many fans interpreted as an unintentional hint.
Wearing a special ‘Champions 24/25’ shirt backwards and a scarf on his head, Gakpo spoke optimistically about the team’s future.
“Now with Mo [Salah] and Virgil [van Dijk] staying, and hopefully Trent as well, they can keep building,” said the Dutch international, who scored Liverpool’s third goal of the game.
Gakpo’s comment, although subtle, leaves room for interpretation.
One view is that Alexander-Arnold has decided to stay, and Gakpo accidentally revealed more than intended.
Another possibility is that Gakpo, like the fans, is simply hopeful and unaware of Alexander-Arnold’s final decision.
Either way, Gakpo’s offhand remark suggests that even within the squad, there is no confirmed knowledge of Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
Given that a move to Real Madrid had previously seemed almost certain, Gakpo’s words offer Liverpool supporters a fresh sliver of hope on a historic day.