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On Monday, Alexander-Arnold announced that he will conclude his 20-year tenure at Anfield by leaving the Premier League champions for free when his contract expires on 30 June 2025.
Following this, Real Madrid – the team he has been closely associated with throughout the season – has reached out to Liverpool to negotiate the signing of the 26-year-old before his contract ends so he can participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, commencing on 14 June in the United States.
When asked about Alexander-Arnold’s potential early move to the Spanish giants, Slot remarked: “He hasn’t personally mentioned anything about it.
“For me, it’s impossible to comment on his destination and whether it is a club involved in the Club World Cup.
“You can see from my smile that we both have an idea of where he’s headed, but it hasn’t been officially stated yet.”
Liverpool secured this season’s top-tier title with four matches to spare and will face second-placed Arsenal on Sunday (16:30 BST), with the Gunners trailing by 15 points as they approach the final three fixtures.
Slot confirmed that Northern Ireland’s Conor Bradley, 21, will step in at right-back against Arsenal as the Reds’ manager gears up for Alexander-Arnold’s departure, a situation he is accustomed to from his past roles.
“Like any Liverpool supporter, we are saddened by his exit because not only is a great individual departing the club, but also a very, very skilled full-back is leaving us too,” Slot stated as he addressed Alexander-Arnold’s choice to leave for the first time.
“I’ve also been at clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, where each season has seen talented players leaving. I’m somewhat more familiar with players moving on.
“When a top player departs, the next one will rise to the occasion, and that’s likely what will transpire now.”
Slot won’t dictate ‘how the fans should respond’ to Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
The match against Arsenal will mark Liverpool’s first since Alexander-Arnold revealed his decision to leave, and while the reactions have been varied, it is uncertain what kind of reception he will receive from the Anfield supporters.
“That supporters have opinions about us, whether it be Trent, me, or anyone else, is nothing new for anyone,” Slot commented.
“Perhaps it's a bit more intense now for him than he’s accustomed to, and likely more negative, but I don’t keep track of all of this.
“I’m not here to instruct the fans on how to respond. I’ll see Trent shortly – the boys had a few days off too – so I’ll wait to gauge how he feels. I did have a chat with him on WhatsApp.
“We are all disappointed, but Trent is the first to acknowledge that he hopes we as a team and a club can minimize distractions from this announcement.
“I hope that all the focus on Sunday goes towards the players and as little as possible towards Trent – unless it’s something positive, then they can do as they please.”