Liverpool may be coming to terms with the potential departure of their star right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, as an eye-catching report suggests the club is ready to consider his sale to Real Madrid in January.
With Alexander-Arnold’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, and the January transfer window fast approaching, the Reds could be compelled to act sooner rather than later to avoid losing their vice-captain for nothing.
The 26-year-old England international is allowed to negotiate with overseas clubs from January 1, and Real Madrid’s interest in him has been well documented. Recent reports indicate talks between Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold’s camp have hit a significant snag, with the club seemingly hesitant to offer a deal that matches or exceeds those of Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah to avoid potential issues within the squad’s wage structure.
This reluctance has left Liverpool’s chances of retaining the services of their homegrown talent dwindling with each passing day. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes Liverpool could opt to cash in while they can. “If he’s definitely going, they might feel they can bring in a bit of money for him in January and bite the bullet rather than letting him go for free,” Brown noted, adding that Liverpool’s financial position could push them toward such a decision.
Despite his importance to the team and deep connection to the club as a local boy, FSG (Fenway Sports Group) may be swayed by the financial windfall a January transfer could bring. “That money can then be reinvested elsewhere if they want to strengthen the squad,” Brown added. Liverpool’s budget isn’t as robust as that of some rivals like Chelsea, so recouping a substantial fee for Alexander-Arnold could be pivotal.
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At present, the right-back earns £180,000 per week, and the club is reportedly unwilling to go beyond Van Dijk’s £220,000 or Salah’s £350,000 to keep him. Real Madrid, on the other hand, are rumored to be preparing an impressive offer, potentially worth £75 million over five years, that would significantly surpass Liverpool’s current wage structure.
Sources indicate that Alexander-Arnold’s camp, managed by his father, Michael Arnold – a lifelong Liverpool fan – has maintained steady contact with Real Madrid representatives. While top journalist James Pearce has suggested that a January move is unlikely, it remains to be seen if Liverpool’s stance will shift should contract talks officially break down.
Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also weighed in, noting that while Real Madrid are keen to land Alexander-Arnold, a January move is unlikely unless Liverpool signals openness to negotiations. “For January, Real Madrid feel that it is going to be almost mission impossible to sign Trent. He’s a top target for the summer,” Romano stated. Liverpool are reportedly still in discussions with Alexander-Arnold about extending his stay at Anfield, making the club’s next moves crucial.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of full-back reinforcements doesn’t stop with Alexander-Arnold. The Spanish giants are also linked with Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Arsenal’s William Saliba. Adding these high-profile defenders to their roster would solidify an already formidable lineup, particularly after securing Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer last summer.
While the rumor mill surrounding Saliba has calmed, the interest in both Alexander-Arnold and Davies is heating up. Real Madrid’s strategy seems clear: bolster their squad with elite talent and capitalize on free transfers wherever possible, aiming for a team that could dominate for seasons to come. If Liverpool cannot find a way to extend Alexander-Arnold’s contract, Madrid may just pull off another transfer coup that reshapes the football landscape.