Glen Johnson, the former Liverpool defender, has confidently stated that Trent Alexander-Arnold's reputation will remain unscathed even if he decides to make a move to Real Madrid, provided he continues to give his all for Liverpool until the season's end.
Alexander-Arnold, whose contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season, could potentially engage in talks with other clubs come January, alongside teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, sparking concerns that the trio might exit Anfield on free transfers in the summer.
Johnson, who faced a similar crossroads when he departed from his childhood club West Ham to join Chelsea during Roman Abramovich's inaugural spending spree in 2003, empathises with Alexander-Arnold's situation. Having joined West Ham at nine and then moving on to greater prospects, Johnson understands the weight of such decisions.
Alexander-Arnold, who was signed by Liverpool at the tender age of six, is now facing his own pivotal moment.
In a conversation with Mirror Football at the FA's 2024-2028 Grassroots Strategy launch, Johnson reflected on his past experiences and expressed certainty that regardless of Alexander-Arnold's choice, the Liverpool-born player's legacy would be secure due to his accomplishments.
"100 percent [his reputation with fans will remain intact]," Johnson asserted. "He's obviously a local boy, won everything there is to win with Liverpool."
Despite the precarious state of his contract, Johnson praised Alexander-Arnold for not causing any commotion or expressing a desire to leave. He also commended the defender's professionalism and performance levels, noting that Alexander-Arnold will not be lacking in options should he decide to explore new horizons.
"He's either going to renew at Liverpool or be somewhere like Real Madrid, it's two fantastic options. I think it's nice that, if he leaves, he'd be leaving on the right terms, but I think there's still a chance he'll stay."
Reflecting on his departure from West Ham, Johnson admitted: "Deep down, at the time, you don't want to leave. I'd been working from 10 years old to get into that first team, and then before you know it it's quickly over.
"You're upset from one side but then super positive on another side, same for him. You've got a chance to go to Chelsea where you're going to win things at such a young age, of course that's the positive and something you can't turn down.
"But a year before that you didn't see that coming. Everything has steps forward and you've got to progress, and that's the path mine took, but to leave your boyhood club isn't easy."
Alexander-Arnold wouldn't be the first Liverpool ace to switch Anfield for the Bernabeu, echoes of Steve McManaman spring to mind, who left for Madrid on a free, and Michael Owen, who later followed suit for a hefty fee.
Former Liverpool FC defender Glen Johnson claims that unlike the departures of McMananman and Owen, the fans will not see a dip in affection for current Reds sensation number 66. Anticipation grows as Liverpool face an immense clash in the Champions League, which is seen by John as a significant test since the arrival of the fresh managerial talents of Arne Slot.
"It will be [a different kind of challenge] but if you're going to play for one of the best clubs, you've got to roll with the best," said Johnson, poised for the battle between the titans of football.
"They've obviously won that tournament numerous times and they've got world-class players for sure, but as we saw the other week [against Lille] they're not unbeatable, and Liverpool on their day are capable of beating anyone. It will be a fantastic game to watch, so fingers crossed we come out of it the right way."
