Jamie Carragher in livid row with Daniel Sturridge over Trent Alexander-Arnold switch
Jamie Carragher and Daniel Sturridge had a heated exchange in the Sky Sports studio over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United
Jamie Carragher and Daniel Sturridge had it out in a fiery on-air spat about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future following Liverpool’s error-laden draw with Manchester United.
The Reds’ star defender, 26, has been attracting the eyes of Real Madrid, and this week saw the Spanish titans make their move as his contract is ticking down to its end with the season close. Debates have raged whether Trent will stay true to his roots and pen a fresh deal with Liverpool, with the gossip heating up just before Sunday’s much-anticipated showdown against United, which ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Yet, it wasn’t a game to remember for Alexander-Arnold, who seemed off the pace playing for Arne Slot’s side. As they talked about his fate on Sky Sports, Carragher and Sturridge didn’t see eye to eye after airing their takes on the drama surrounding the contract talks.
“There’s some frustration from Liverpool supporters [Alexander-Arnold] could leave for free – he came for free, I’ve got no problem with that. It’s his choice,” Carragher declared on Sky Sports.
“When I’m talking about Trent, I’m disappointed with the Real Madrid stuff coming out and that being the focus before a big game, because the most important thing is Liverpool winning the game,” lamented Jamie, reports the Mirror.
But Sturridge wasn’t having any of it, challenging him: “Before Madrid you had a problem with the situation as well,” leading Carragher to fire back with a quick: “What was the problem?”
Sturridge aired his grievances, saying: “The problem was how things were going, ‘Oh, we’re hearing rumours’ and the contract and this and that,” but Carragher swiftly dismissed it with: “Daniel, tell me what the problem was. That was just waffle.”
Sturridge fired back: “This is a simple question I have for you,” insisting on a clear stance from Carragher. “Are you saying you are happy with Trent leaving for free or you want money for him; which one is it? You can’t stay on the fence Jamie.
“You either want him to stay and sign a contract or you want him to leave now and you want money. But you can’t have it both ways!”
Carragher responded firmly: “When did I say I wanted him to be sold now for money? No, stop. When did I say I was unhappy with him going for free?
“I have never ever said I have a problem with him going for free. I have constantly defended him to other Liverpool fans and on this show, that the lad came for nothing and if he leaves for nothing, there should be no criticism for that.
“In terms of selling him right now, I’m disappointed because I know how transfers work, how football works. He would have known Real Madrid were putting a bid in [for him]. My problem is Liverpool are going for a league title here – it’s January and he will have known it will kick up a fuss before a big game.”
Sturridge hit back: “It’s the same thing for Salah though! You can’t say one thing for Trent, a local lad who should be revered by the fans. Like yourself, like Steven Gerrard, Trent is one of you guys, someone who’s been at the club from the academy.
“He’s at a point now where the club have allowed his contract to get to his point, that isn’t Trent’s fault. So Real Madrid have tested the waters. They might have had a flirt up, that’s not a problem!”
