FORMER England goalkeeper David James has urged Trent Alexander-Arnold to wait before committing his long-term future to Liverpool.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp shocked the football world last month when he announced that he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season.
Liverpool are yet to announce the 56-year-old’s replacement, but Xabi Alonso is understood to be a top target.
Klopp took the helm at Anfield in 2015 and has since introduced several academy stars to the first team, including Alexander-Arnold.
The 25-year-old has been a pivotal player for Liverpool since making his debut in 2016, scoring 18 goals and providing 82 assists in 302 senior appearances.
Alexander-Arnold is yet to play for a different manager at club level, so ex-goalkeeper James has warned that he might struggle when Klopp leaves.
Speaking to GGRecon, the former England star said: “I love Trent. When you look at his career, he came from nowhere to playing in European Cup finals whilst increasing his level of performance.
“He then went through a period of being criticised by the media but has come through that and has been back to his best this season and is arguably the first name on Liverpool’s teamsheet.
“So I think it’s very important that he does stay because he’s gone through the tough times and hopefully he wants to be part of a very successful time again for Liverpool.
“For Trent at the moment, he can’t commit to anything long-term because he’s unaware of which manager is going to come to Anfield to replace Jürgen Klopp.
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“People may say if you love the club then it doesn’t matter who’s there, but if you’re as footballing intelligent as Trent is, then you will be aware that some managers who are being linked with the job at the moment get their teams to play in a certain way that doesn’t suit him and therefore he could end up suffering if he signs a contract now.
“The sooner that Liverpool finds a replacement for Jürgen Klopp, then the sooner that these contract issues with Trent and Mo Salah can be dealt with.”
Liverpool currently sit at the top of the Premier League table with 57 points from 25 games.
Two points separate the top three teams, with Manchester City and Arsenal also in the title race.
