Cody Gakpo might have dropped a major hint about the future of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the season and an anticipated free transfer to Real Madrid has been widely reported.

Nothing has yet been announced either way but the futures of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and talismanic forward Mo Salah were tied up in the weeks before the Reds won their second league title of the Premier League era.

Sky Sports pundit and ex-Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp argued after they confirmed their title that the contract situations of three senior players was a motivator, not the potential distraction many observers believed it to be.

Alexander-Arnold is the only remaining holdout and was coy about his future after a goal in Liverpool’s previous game put him in front of the Sky Sports cameras last weekend.

Now, with the title secure with games to spare and the celebrations winding down inside Anfield on Sunday, a teammate ignited further uncertainty with what some fans believe and hope to have been a slip of the tongue.

Speaking long after the stands emptied with a special commemorative ‘Champions 24/25’ Liverpool shirt on backwards and a scarf tied around his head, Netherlands international Cody Gakpo spoke of his optimism about the future of the squad.

“Now with Mo [Salah] and Virgil [Van Dijk] staying, and hopefully Trent as well, they can keep building,” said Gakpo, who scored Liverpool’s third goal in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur to clinch the title.

Given the situation and the fact that Gakpo’s delivery gave nothing away, that’s one small comment that can be understood in a couple of big ways.

The first interpretation is that Alexander-Arnold is staying at Liverpool and Gakpo spoke out of turn.

The second is that Gakpo doesn’t know any more than the rest of us and sincerely hopes that Alexander-Arnold hasn’t yet made up his mind and will choose to stay at Liverpool.

Either way, it seems from Gakpo’s throwaway comment that Alexander-Arnold’s teammates haven’t had confirmation that he’s moving on.

With a switch to Real Madrid previous considered inevitable, that’s a bonus glimmer of hope on a famous day for the Reds.

Liverpool won the Premier League title for a second time with Fenway Sports Group principal owner John Henry at Anfield for the 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool fans have had their say after spotting what Trent Alexander-Arnold did following their Premier League triumph.

Liverpool beat Tottenham 5-1 on Sunday to be crowned Premier League champions.

It’s the club’s 20th league title in their storied history.

After the final whistle, the Liverpool squad and coaching staff gathered on the pitch to celebrate their latest league title.

After a rendition of Dua Lipa’s ‘One Kiss’, fans in the Kop end sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in front of the entire team.

Alexander-Arnold was among the players lined up as fans on social media have reacted after seeing what they did.

Liverpool supporters claimed he didn’t sing ‘YNWA’ as they questioned his proposed free transfer to Real Madrid this summer.

One X user wrote: “He didn’t even sing, he’s definitely leaving.”

A second said: “Trent Alexander-Arnold cannot be witnessing his and the adoration those fans have for him, without second thoughts.”

A third added: “What must be going through Trent Alexander-Arnold’s head right now.”

A fourth commented: “He’s leaving but you can tell he was hiding emotions there and perhaps is thinking if it’s the right move. At Madrid he’ll just be another guy. At Liverpool you make history.”

Another claimed: “He’s smiling that he won, but he’s going to Real.”

Alexander-Arnold has been at Liverpool for his entire footballing career, having graduated from the club’s youth academy.

But he appears set to end his association with his boyhood club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Real, who have been long-term admirers.

If Alexander-Arnold leaves Anfield this summer, then he’ll walk away with two Premier League titles and the Champions League, among other trophies.

The supposed reason behind Liverpool fans ‘setting off’ blue flares ahead of their Premier League clash against Tottenham has been revealed.

Liverpool beat Spurs 5-1 on Sunday to be crowned Premier League champions in Arne Slot’s debut season following his appointment last summer.

Goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Destiny Udogie (OG) secured Liverpool’s 20th league title in the club’s storied history.

There was a carnival atmosphere before kick-off as thousands of supporters gathered outside Anfield to greet the team bus.

The team bus arrived at the ground amid a cloud of red smoke as fans let off flares.

But, curiously, blue – the colour of their cross-town rivals Everton – smoke could be also be seen.

There appears to be a reason why blue flares were ‘set off’.

According to X user LesleyField5, an Everton fan purchased huge amounts of blue flares and took the blue labels off them, replacing it with red labels.

“My mates just texted me there,” he shared on social media. “He bought 10,000 blue flares and spent the last 4 weeks taking the blue labels off them and putting red labels on them

“I hope he sells the fookin lot.”

https://x.com/LesleyField5/status/1913707734630904179?t=6r1KWEepJNUdUFL9pdYS9A&s=19

So, it seems some Liverpool fans were duped into buying blue flares for their fixture against Spurs.

Liverpool’s latest title win is their first in front of fans in the Premier League era.

Celebrations for their league triumph in the 2019/20 season took place behind closed doors amid COVID-19.

Slot’s team win the league with four games to spare and he’s already matched predecessor Jurgen Klopp’s title victories.

Liverpool are set to receive a guard of honour against Chelsea when they travel to Stamford Bridge next Sunday.

They face Arsenal a week later then Brighton before lifting the Premier League trophy at home to Crystal Palace on May 25.

Luis Diaz equalised for Liverpool after Dominic Solanke had put the Reds ahead at Anfield.

The Premier League have confirmed why Luis Diaz’s goal for Liverpool stood as the Colombian equalised for the Reds in the match that could clink the title. Liverpool fell behind to Dominic Solanke’s early goal from a Tottenham corner before Diaz levelled the scores.

But the linesman’s flag initially denied the Reds, with Dominik Szoboszlai adjudged to be offside before he crossed the ball for Diaz to tap in. Replays showed that wasn’t the case, however, and Anfield would erupt once again when – aided by new semi-automated technology – VAR confirmed that the goal was to stand.

And the Premier League’s match centre quickly confirmed the decision on X.

Their tweet read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for Liverpool – and determined that Szoboszlai was in an onside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was awarded.”

It’s the first time a Liverpool goal has been awarded by the new technology.

The Reds know a point would be enough to secure the Premier League title and they took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark when Alexis Mac Allister scored with a superb strike on his left foot. Cody Gakpo has since added a third goal to make it 3-1.

Semi-automated technology was brought in on April 12, it is described by the Premier League as follows: “Semi-automated offside technology is a support tool that automates key elements of the offside decision-making process for the video assistant referee (VAR).

“It will be used in close offside calls – to either confirm or recommend a change to the referee’s call on-field – as is currently the case with VAR.

“To determine close offside calls, the VAR currently needs to work with replay operators (RO) to manually determine the “kick-point” for the offside decision and then “draw” calibrated lines with a crosshair on the relevant defender and attacker, using multiple camera angles.

“Once the lines and kick-point are determined, an “offside” or “onside” decision is generated.

“Semi-automated offside technology will suggest a “kick point” and automatically create offside lines on the second rear-most defender and the relevant attacker – saving significant time in determining whether a player is onside or offside.

“Once the semi-automated offside technology-generated outcome has been reviewed and approved by the VAR, a decision visual will be automatically generated and distributed to fans in the stadium and to the media.”

Liverpool is about to win the Premier League and Paul Merson has a warning for Arsenal ahead of next season, when the pressure will be on Mikel Arteta to deliver.

Paul Merson has advised Arsenal to “forget” about its upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth and instead concentrate on the Champions League — but he also has a “worry” heading into next season.

The Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace on Wednesday, leaving Liverpool needing just one more point to clinch the Premier League title. A draw against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday would secure the title for Arne Slot’s team with four games remaining.

Therefore, by the time Arsenal play their next Premier League match — a home game against Bournemouth on Saturday, May 3 — the title race is likely already to be over. With Mikel Arteta’s squad facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final either side of the Bournemouth clash, Merson has urged the Gunners to put the Premier League on the back burner for now.

“I think they’ll just have to forget about the Bournemouth game,” a disappointed Merson told Sky Sports. “They’ve got a massive opportunity [against PSG]. They’re not going to finish outside of the top five, they have enough games left.

“The next two games against PSG are huge. They’ve got an unbelievable opportunity of winning the Champions League which they’ve never done before. For me, I’d be more disappointed with the result [vs Crystal Palace] on the strength of that if we want to win the Premier League — and that is the aim — this is going to happen every season.

“If you’re a good team you’re going to go deep into competitions, into Europe, FA Cups, League Cups, hopefully. You need squad players and you need to perform week-in, week-out and I think that would be my worry for Mikel Arteta.

Paul Merson outlines Mikel Arteta ‘worry’ as Liverpool closes in on Premier League title

“If we’re second in the league and two points behind, we can’t have performances like this, and that’s why you have to show so much respect to Manchester City. What they’ve done over the last few years, consistently churning out results, winning league titles, going deep in the Champions League, even winning it.

“So, that’s what would disappoint Arteta more is next season they’re going to have to be a lot more consistent. It’s drifted away but they can say they’ve put all their eggs in the Champions League now.”

Liverpool could have clinched the Premier League title as early as Sunday. The Reds were relying on Ipswich to defeat Arsenal and then secure maximum points at Leicester.

Although Slot’s men held up their end of the bargain, securing a 1-0 victory against relegated Leicester, Arsenal thrashed Ipswich to keep the title race alive, for now.

The Reds also had a chance to win it on Wednesday but once again needed Arsenal to lose. Unfortunately for Slot and his side, the Gunners managed to secure a draw and the wait continues.

Liverpool, however, will be eager to secure the title this Sunday when they welcome a Tottenham side who might be distracted by their upcoming Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt next week.

Liverpool are on the cusp of winning the Premier League title, with just one point needed from 4 games.

A draw or a win against Tottenham on Sunday evening would be enough for the Reds to be crowned champions for the 20th time.

With the season almost wrapped up, Liverpool will have one eye on next season, as they approach the summer transfer window.

And Virgil van Dijk, who penned a new contract last week, believes the upcoming transfer window will be an important one for the Reds.

Virgil van Dijk hints at exciting summer transfer window for Liverpool

The Liverpool captain did not shy away from confirming the behind-the-scenes news about the club’s plans for the summer transfer window.

Van Dijk hinted at a big summer window, stating that he is convinced that the club will be significantly bolstering the squad such that they can continue to compete for trophies in the coming years.

Speaking to Dutch outlet AD, he said: “The club is very ambitious, the plans for this summer sound good. There is still a lot to achieve here.

“Whatever is going to happen with players coming or leaving, I think this is going to be a very important summer for the club. I am convinced that the club management see it that way too – and we have to trust that they are going to do that in a good way. So that we can also play for prizes in the coming years.”

Liverpool plan summer rebuild under Arne Slot

Behind the scenes, new sporting director Richard Hughes has been working tirelessly to secure the futures of Liverpool’s key players.

Mohamed Salah recently signed a new two-year contract, while Van Dijk himself committed his future to Anfield by penning an extension last week.

However, not all contract negotiations have gone to plan. Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly on the verge of a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer, in what would be a major blow for the Reds.

In addition to Alexander-Arnold’s likely departure, the club are preparing for several more exits.

It has been reported that Liverpool are ready to sell five players this summer. This includes Caoimhin Kelleher, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota.

The Reds are also said to be willing to cash in on Darwin Nunez this summer, with Nunez and Luis Diaz both attracting interest from Saudi.

To replace the outgoing stars, Liverpool are lining up a number of potential signings. Up front, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has emerged as a target for the Reds, while Liverpool also sent scouts to watch promising forward Hugo Ekitike.

In defence, Bournemouth duo Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez are both linked with moves to Anfield.

FSG has frequently disappointed Liverpool fans with their lack of spending over the years. They only signed one player in Federico Chiesa over the last two transfer windows.

Which is why Van Dijk’s comments will have the supporters particularly excited, as it suggests that the players have been assured that there will be new players coming in.

As Liverpool prepare to lift the trophy once more, all eyes will soon turn to the summer rebuild — one that could define the next era at Anfield.

Liverpool can take advantage of one release clause as it triggers. The star is set up for a move to Anfield.

Liverpool have their eyes on several strikers this summer as they look to rejuvenate their forward line. Alexander Isak is perhaps at the top of that shortlist, but the Swede will cost an absolute fortune.

That’s not to say that the Reds will entirely give up on Isak. They’ll hope Newcastle United are willing to negotiate or lower their price when push comes to shove.

There’s a need to find alternative targets, though. Hugo Ekitike is another they’re considering but once again, his price is getting out of hand.

Eintracht Frankfurt, knowing full well that their star forward is viewed as the Isak ‘alternative’, have consistently brought their asking price up. They now reportedly want around €100m and that could climb further before the transfer window.

Alternatives for the alternative, then. Liverpool’s shortlist will be extensive and at least one player on it is now confirmed as available.

Liam Delap’s release clause

It’s been reported recently that Liam Delap has a clause in his contract that triggers a release clause should Ipswich Town go down from the Premier League. The latter was made official on Saturday with a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

And so with that comes the release clause. Delap is now available for £30m and clubs can snap up an incredibly bright English talent for a bargain fee.

Liverpool are interested in the forward and we even think they might hold a couple of advantages in the race. Reports suggest Delap wants to move to a club without an established no.9, possibly ruling out Newcastle.

And he’s also hoping to play in Europe next season, preferably the UEFA Champions League. Again, that puts Liverpool in a very strong position as a preferred destination.

We’re not sure the forward is the Reds’ first-choice option this summer. In fact, we’re certain he isn’t.

But if Liverpool are serious about overhaul their forward line, Delap would be a magnificent signing to completely revamp the strikers.

He’s a huge talent, completely available to sign, and ticks so many boxes for the Reds. One for Richard Hughes to get done.