Real Madrid is in the final stages of securing a deal to sign Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer. The Spanish giants have been in discussions for some time and are working to finalize the move before the new season begins.
Multiple sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that while the agreement is not yet fully completed, talks have progressed significantly. The England international, who is in the final months of his contract at Anfield, is free to negotiate with clubs outside of England. Real Madrid has been closely monitoring Alexander-Arnold’s situation for nearly two years and has identified him as a key target for their squad.
The 26-year-old has spent his entire career at Liverpool, making over 300 appearances for the club since emerging from its academy. He has played a crucial role in the team’s success, winning every major trophy available while representing the Reds. As vice-captain, his leadership and experience have been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent achievements.
Uncertainty over future at Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold first broke into the senior team under Jurgen Klopp in 2016 after progressing through the youth system, having joined Liverpool at the age of six. He quickly became a mainstay in the squad, contributing significantly to the team that won the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup between 2019 and 2020.
The right-back last signed a contract extension in 2021, committing to a four-year deal. During the 2021-22 season, he played a vital role in Liverpool’s domestic cup double, scoring penalties in both the FA Cup and League Cup final shootouts. His performances earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year for the third time, and in July 2023, he was appointed Liverpool’s vice-captain.
However, with just a few months remaining on his contract, speculation surrounding his future has intensified. No new agreement has been reached, and the uncertainty has led to a shift in the relationship between Alexander-Arnold and sections of the Liverpool fanbase. In October, his remarks in an interview—stating that he would prefer winning a Ballon d’Or over securing another Champions League title with Liverpool—irritated some supporters. This led to a perception that his focus may be more on personal achievements than the club’s success.
In December, Alexander-Arnold further fueled speculation by celebrating a goal against West Ham with a ‘chat’ gesture, seemingly referencing ongoing discussions about his future. The lack of a definitive public statement regarding his intentions has left fans divided, with uncertainty growing over whether he will continue at Anfield. Reports that Real Madrid had made a formal approach for the defender in January coincided with a difficult performance against Manchester United, leading to frustration from some sections of the home crowd.
Although he has remained a key part of Liverpool’s title challenge this season, his future remains uncertain. If he does leave on a free transfer, it will be a major talking point, given his long-standing connection with the club.
What his departure could mean
Should Alexander-Arnold complete a move to Real Madrid, he would follow in the footsteps of former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman, who also joined the Spanish club on a free transfer in 1999. McManaman, who won multiple Champions League titles in Madrid, believes that if Alexander-Arnold chooses to embrace a new challenge, it would be a major step in his career.
“If he does decide to move to Real Madrid and embrace a new language, a new culture, and a new way of life, all credit to him,” McManaman told BBC Sport. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for him if he goes, and he would undoubtedly be a superstar there as well.”
Liverpool’s squad faces further uncertainty, with key players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also approaching the end of their contracts. However, McManaman believes the reaction to Alexander-Arnold’s potential exit would be different due to his status as a homegrown player. “If Van Dijk or Salah leave, then people will blame the club. But if Trent leaves, then the blame will be placed on him,” he explained.
While Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley has emerged as a capable alternative at right-back, McManaman believes that Alexander-Arnold’s departure would leave a significant gap in the team. “[Bradley is] a completely different player to Trent Alexander-Arnold,” he said. “Trent’s attacking statistics are outstanding, and his influence on the team has been immense. Liverpool fans will be hoping that Bradley can step up and fill the void, but those are big shoes to fill.”
As speculation continues, all eyes will be on Alexander-Arnold’s next move and how Liverpool will respond to the potential loss of one of their most influential academy graduates.
