Liverpool is facing a major challenge as rumors suggest Trent Alexander-Arnold may be considering a move to Real Madrid. According to Spanish publication Marca, the talented defender, whose contract at Anfield runs out in six months, has expressed his desire to join the Spanish giants.
This revelation means that Alexander-Arnold can start discussions with international clubs in January, potentially moving on a free transfer during the summer.
The situation surrounding Alexander-Arnold adds to a growing list of contractual concerns for Liverpool. Alongside the uncertainty about the future of the 25-year-old right-back, star forward Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk are also approaching the final years of their contracts.
Marca reports that Liverpool’s attempts to renew Alexander-Arnold’s contract are becoming less likely, leading to increased speculation regarding his potential departure. One of the factors fueling this speculation is the opportunity to team up with fellow England international Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, which reportedly appeals to Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid, a club renowned for taking advantage of free transfer opportunities—as demonstrated by their recent acquisitions of Antonio Rüdiger and the potential move for Kylian Mbappé—could look to secure Alexander-Arnold in a similar fashion. If the transfer goes through, it would be a severe blow to Liverpool, particularly as the club aims to remain competitive at the top of the Premier League, where they are battling rivals like Arsenal and Chelsea.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has kept quiet on the issue, stating that the club’s contract negotiations are handled privately by the sporting director, Richard Hughes, and not something to be discussed in public. For now, Liverpool’s main focus is on maintaining their strong form as they challenge for both domestic and European titles.
The situation surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s potential departure reflects the uncertainty within the Liverpool squad, which is grappling with several key contract issues that could have a long-term impact on the club’s structure and performance. The possibility of losing a player of Alexander-Arnold’s caliber to a club like Real Madrid is a serious concern, and it remains to be seen how Liverpool will respond to these growing challenges in the coming months.