Liverpool make shock transfer decision which could prove costly for England star

Liverpool are back in action on Saturday as they welcome struggling Nottingham Forest to Anfield. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side ended a run of five games without a win in style on Monday evening, as they cruised to a 6-1 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road.

Now, The Reds will have their sights set on a place in the Premier League’s top four and subsequent qualification for next season’s Champions League, with nine points currently separating fourth-placed Newcastle United and Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota both netted braces on Monday, while Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez were also on target.

It was also a successful evening for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who provided two assists in the victory over The Whites.

Now, though, it appears that Liverpool could be on the look out for a new right-back, despite Alexander-Arnold’s remarkable form over the past few seasons.

According to Football Insider, the Merseyside club will look to add a new right-back to their squad this summer, with Alexander-Arnold potentially set to be used in midfield more often next term.

Alexander-Arnold set up two goals against Leeds United on Monday night

During the last two matches, Klopp has utilised the England international in an inverted role that has seen him operate in midfield while in possession.

The full-back is regarded as one of the best in the world in terms of attacking output and passing range, although he has been criticised on several occasions for his defensive performances.

The 24-year-old, who made his senior debut for The Reds during a League Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur back in 2016, has been a regular for his boyhood club over the past five seasons.

In that time, he has taken his appearance tally for the club to 265 across all competitions, registering a total of 68 assists.

Liverpool’s decision to search for a new right-back will come as a surprise to most people, with Klopp having previously described the Englishman as the ‘best in Europe’ in his position.

Klopp’s only other option at right-back at present is veteran midfielder James Milner – who has often been used on the right of defence – although the former Manchester City man appears likely to leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the current season.

The Reds are also set to overhaul their midfield this summer, with both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita set to leave when their contracts expire.

Liverpool could save themselves from having to buy a new midfielder, though, if Alexander-Arnold becomes a regular in the middle of the park.