Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly given his approval for a transfer to Real Madrid, with his contract at Anfield set to expire in the summer of 2025.
The Situation
- Contract Status: Alexander-Arnold is in the final six months of his Liverpool deal, allowing him to negotiate with foreign clubs and potentially leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
- Madrid’s Interest: Real Madrid have identified the 25-year-old as their top transfer target, aiming to address their long-term issues at right-back.
Madrid’s Approach
- Failed January Bid: Madrid initially made a cut-price offer for Alexander-Arnold earlier in the January window, but Liverpool rejected the approach, unwilling to part with the player mid-season.
- Final January Push: According to MARCA, Madrid may still make one last attempt to secure the England international before the window closes, though they are prepared to wait until the summer if necessary.
Alexander-Arnold’s Decision
Reports suggest Alexander-Arnold has already agreed to join Madrid in principle, providing Los Blancos with confidence that the transfer will eventually happen.
Liverpool’s Position
- Reluctance to Sell: Liverpool are in the midst of a Premier League title challenge and have no desire to lose such an influential player during the season.
- Risk of Free Transfer: The Reds face the possibility of losing Alexander-Arnold for free in the summer unless they can convince him to sign a new deal.
Real Madrid’s Perspective
- Targeted Recruitment: Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been informed that Alexander-Arnold is the only target for the January window, with no alternative signings planned.
- Patience in Play: Madrid are prepared to wait until the summer to secure the player without a transfer fee, should Liverpool refuse to negotiate this month.
What’s Next?
A January move remains unlikely as both Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold are focused on the current campaign. However, Madrid’s confidence in the player’s willingness to join suggests that a summer transfer is highly probable.
If Alexander-Arnold does leave, it will mark the end of an era at Liverpool, where he has been a transformative presence since emerging from the academy. For Madrid, his arrival would represent a significant boost to their defensive setup, adding world-class quality and attacking dynamism to the right flank.
