Cody Gakpo may have dropped a major hint about Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool future after the Reds clinched the Premier League title in emphatic style.
Arne Slot's side sealed the club's 20th English league crown, and their first title celebration in front of fans at Anfield for 35 years, with a 5-1 demolition of Tottenham on Sunday that sparked jubilant scenes on Merseyside.
Liverpool had to come from behind after Dominic Solanke gave Spurs a shock early lead, but goals from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Gakpo turned the game around before half-time. Mohamed Salah added a fourth after the break and a Destiny Udogie own goal completed the rout, as Liverpool moved to an unassailable 82 points with four matches to spare.
Gakpo, who scored Liverpool's crucial third goal with a composed finish inside the box, played a starring role on a day when the Anfield faithful were finally able to celebrate a title triumph in person.
When Liverpool last won the Premier League in 2020, their victory came behind closed doors due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, meaning supporters were unable to attend.
Amid the celebrations on Sunday, Gakpo made a comment that could give Liverpool supporters fresh hope that Alexander-Arnold might yet snub a move to Real Madrid and remain at his boyhood club.
The 26-year-old is out of contract on June 30 and has been heavily linked with a free transfer to the Bernabeu. Despite mounting speculation, Alexander-Arnold has so far refused to confirm his plans.
Speaking after the trophy celebrations, wearing a backwards 'Champions 24-25' shirt and a scarf tied around his head, Gakpo reflected on Liverpool's future and named three key players.
'Now with Mo [Salah] and Virgil [Van Dijk] staying, and hopefully Trent as well, they can keep building,' said the Dutchman.
It was a seemingly casual remark, but one that Liverpool fans will cling to as a sign that talks are still ongoing behind the scenes and that Alexander-Arnold could yet commit to a new deal.
Van Dijk and Salah had also entered the final six months of their contracts at the start of 2025, creating uncertainty around their futures. However, both have since put pen to paper on new long-term deals at Anfield, boosting hopes that Alexander-Arnold might follow suit.
Gakpo's comment could be interpreted in different ways.
Either he let slip that there is optimism within the squad about Alexander-Arnold staying, or, like many fans, he is just hoping the star right back chooses to remain rather than start a new chapter abroad.
What is seemingly clear is that Alexander-Arnold's teammates have not yet received any confirmation that he is leaving.
Adding further intrigue, Alexander-Arnold was pictured in conversation with Liverpool owner John W. Henry on the pitch during Sunday's post-match celebrations.
Alexander-Arnold has played a pivotal role under Slot and is widely seen as a future captain if he remains at Anfield.