Trent Alexander-Arnold completed a sensational transfer to Real Madrid and was officially unveiled during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, leaving a significant void on Liverpool’s right flank following yet another Premier League title. Now, with a new season on the horizon, Reds manager Arne Slot has reportedly identified the player who will step into the creative role vacated by the England international.
Including his time in the academy, Alexander-Arnold spent 20 years at Liverpool, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s elite right backs. According to WhoScored, he ranks fourth in the league for most big chances created since the 2020–21 season, with 89, an eye-popping stat for a defender.
After spending more than €300 million in the summer transfer window, Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, a right back with a very different profile from Alexander-Arnold, now at Real Madrid. But while Frimpong offers attacking width and pace, Slot appears to be turning to a different kind of player to fill the creative gap left by Trent.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 3–2 preseason win over Athletic Bilbao on Monday, Slot singled out Florian Wirtz‘s performance: “I think there is always room for improvement in every department and we have added a few, in my opinion, extra weapons. Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third and we have lost with Trent a lot of creativity from the back.”
Although Wirtz plays in an entirely different part of the pitch, Slot noted similarities in their playmaking instincts. “Trent’s crosses and picking out runners was so special. Wirtz has this quality in a totally different position. He brings that creativity,” he added.
Wirtz arrived at Anfield in a blockbuster €125 million move from Leverkusen, becoming the club’s most expensive signing. Naturally a No. 10 who operates behind the striker, Wirtz has already demonstrated his versatility in midfield. His vision and creativity may be key to replacing the playmaking output once supplied by Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool set to begin European season next week
With their preseason tour of Asia wrapped up and a final friendly played at Anfield, Liverpool now turn their attention to competitive action. The Reds will kick off their 2025–26 campaign at Wembley Stadium, facing Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 10.
Palace will be making their first-ever appearance in the match after lifting the FA Cup, while Liverpool qualify after topping the Premier League last season. A win for the Reds would see them tie Arsenal with 17 Community Shield titles, second only to Manchester United’s 21.