Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk dismissed speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold's future affected the right-back's performance against Manchester United on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold struggled during the 2-2 draw, losing possession in the lead-up to United's opening goal and failing to make a significant impact before being replaced in the 86th minute by Connor Bradley.
In the days leading up to the match, reports emerged that Liverpool had rejected an offer from Real Madrid, who were interested in signing the England international during the January transfer window.
This has increased speculation about the defender's future, especially with his contract set to expire in the summer.
Despite the rumours, Van Dijk insisted the 25-year-old's performance was not affected by off-field distractions.
When asked if transfer speculation had affected Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk said: “No, I'm fine with it.
Mohamed Salah posted this photo of himself with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
What does that mean? 👀 #BBC Football pic.twitter.com/OZge8aSgkI
– Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 6, 2025
“Trent has his people around him, his family, and we're there too.
“He wants to perform the best way he can as we all do. That's the main focus.”
The speculation around Alexander-Arnold is part of a wider narrative at Liverpool, with Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also approaching the final months of their contracts.
The three will be eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs starting this month.
Van Dijk previously stated in October that contract extension talks had begun but revealed after the United game that there were no new developments regarding his situation.
Meanwhile, Salah recently admitted that negotiations on a new deal are still far from progressing. “We are far from any progress,” Salah said earlier this month.
Despite the ongoing contract dilemmas and transfer rumours, Salah posted a photo on social media after Sunday's match, showing him alongside Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.
