Real Madrid are in discussions to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold once his contract with the club expires at the end of June, with the player himself expressing a strong desire to move to the La Liga side.
Alexander-Arnold’s current contract with Liverpool is set to end this summer. Despite being offered an improved and extended deal to remain at Anfield, he has declined the offer, signaling his intention to leave the club.
Should Real Madrid succeed in signing the Liverpool vice-captain, it would mark the end of his 21-year association with his boyhood club, where he is preparing to make his 350th appearance against Everton on April 2,
Sources have told us Although there is optimism from both parties, much remains unresolved, and there is no certainty that he will join Real Madrid next season.
Real Madrid has long been an admirer of Alexander-Arnold and has been working on a proposal to bring him to Spain for almost two years.
If he does make the move, he will join Jude Bellingham as the second English international at the Spanish giants.
Under current transfer regulations, Real Madrid and any other foreign club wishing to approach the player have been free to begin negotiations with Alexander-Arnold since January.
While any potential suitor is required to keep Liverpool updated and inform them if an agreement is reached, Real Madrid has not yet done so.
Nevertheless, he remains their primary target for the summer, and it is clear that Alexander-Arnold’s preferred destination is Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
The negotiations are complicated, especially because he would be a free agent, and issues such as signing-on bonuses, image rights, and performance incentives all need to be settled.
Earlier in the season, Alexander-Arnold set a Premier League record for the most assists by a defender, recording his 60th and 61st assists in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle, surpassing teammate Andy Robertson in the process.
Should Alexander-Arnold leave, he would do so having won every major continental and domestic honor at Liverpool, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
The manner of his departure could impact his legacy at Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold would become the third academy graduate from Liverpool to move to Madrid, following in the footsteps of Steve McManaman and Michael Owen.
Jamie Carragher, who also came through Liverpool’s academy and made 737 appearances for the club, has warned Alexander-Arnold that leaving for Madrid could tarnish his legacy at Anfield, despite his significant contributions to the team’s recent successes.
“McManaman went to Real Madrid, won trophies, but he wasn’t truly beloved there,” Carragher remarked. “Trent has spent 20 years at Liverpool. I don’t think leaving on a free transfer will feel right to the fans. They’ll see it as a betrayal. Leaving as a local player, someone who’s been there so long, is hard to take.”
Carragher added, “I wanted to leave the right way so I’d be remembered properly. If Trent stays, he will go down as one of Liverpool’s best, not far behind Steven Gerrard.”
Though some may assume that moving as a free agent makes the negotiations easier, Carragher explained that the process can be more complicated. A free agent is entitled to a signing-on fee, and the amount can vary depending on both parties’ views.
Further complexities arise around matters such as appearance fees, loyalty bonuses, and image rights, all of which require detailed negotiation, contributing to the lengthy discussions.
“There’s no rush,” said Carragher. “Alexander-Arnold is still under contract until the season ends. Both sides are likely waiting to finalize everything. Negotiations need time, and that’s why this is taking a while.”
Carragher also highlighted the emotional side of Alexander-Arnold’s decision. “He’s been at Liverpool for nearly 21 years, and it’s in his blood. He’s a Scouser, a Liverpool fan, and he doesn’t want to damage his relationship with the supporters who have supported him his whole life.”
Alexander-Arnold and his representatives aim to handle the situation as smoothly and amicably as possible, avoiding the negative media buzz surrounding the transfer rumors.
While a move to Real Madrid remains a possibility, it is not yet confirmed. Both sides are hopeful, and talks continue, but the deal is far from finalized.
