REAL MADRID and Barcelona are closely monitoring Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation at Liverpool.
The 25-year-old Liverpool vice-captain is set to be out of contract next year and has been heavily linked with a move to the European champions. Spanish reports suggest that both LaLiga giants believe Alexander-Arnold might be inclined to leave, especially with the emergence of 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley.
Liverpool is prepared to offer Alexander-Arnold a new contract with an increase from his current £180,000-per-week salary, but they are not ready to spend excessively. There are also rumors that he might join England team-mate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.
Recently, Alexander-Arnold was seen signing a Madrid shirt for a fan while holidaying in Los Angeles with Bellingham. Liverpool management also needs to address the futures of Mo Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33, who are the only two players at Anfield with higher salaries than Alexander-Arnold. All three players’ contracts are set to expire in June 2025.
Although it seems unlikely that Liverpool would sell their academy graduate this summer, it remains a possibility for the future. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other top clubs are keeping an eye on potential developments over the next year.
Alexander-Arnold’s impressive assist record and ability to create chances from right-back have led to suggestions he should be used in a more advanced role, despite former manager Jurgen Klopp’s reservations. He is considered one of the best passers in football, with 15 goals and 58 assists for Liverpool, a record for Premier League defenders.
New boss Arne Slot prefers a more traditional right-back, with Northern Ireland’s Bradley seen as a better fit in that role. Liverpool legend Michael Owen has suggested that a move to Madrid could be very tempting for Alexander-Arnold.
Owen told Casino Hawks: “Real Madrid is currently the best team in Europe, the biggest team in the world, with their iconic kit and star players… It’s the premier stage in Europe. I faced a similar decision in my career, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. If Real Madrid came calling, Trent would have a lot to consider.”
Liverpool remains the only Premier League club yet to make a summer signing but is expected to bring in a new defensive midfielder. Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, who has a £51.7m release clause, is a top target for Arne Slot.
