Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly informed Liverpool that he wishes to leave the club and join Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old right-back, who has been a key figure at Anfield, is out of contract at the end of the current season, along with teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
With Liverpool enjoying an excellent start to the season under manager Arne Slot, speculation has surrounded the future of their star players.
According to reports, Alexander-Arnold has communicated his desire to move to Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.
From January 1, the England international will be free to negotiate with other clubs, and Real Madrid is reportedly ready to open discussions when the transfer window opens.
However, Liverpool would prefer he leave as a free agent in the summer rather than sell him for a fee in January.
The prospect of playing alongside his close friend and England teammate Jude Bellingham at Madrid is said to be a key factor in Alexander-Arnold’s decision.
While the move could be seen as a significant step in his career, former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher recently suggested that leaving on a free could tarnish his legacy at the club.
He said, “If he stays, he’ll be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever play for the club, not far behind Steven Gerrard. If he leaves, he won’t be remembered in the same way. If he doesn’t care about that, that’s fine, but that’s how Liverpool supporters feel.”
‘If I was advising Trent, I would say, it’s not just leaving. I think people understand it with Real Madrid.’
‘A lot of it is the free transfer. That’s a lot of anything. It’s that fear of not you leaving us, [but] “Where’s our money to replace you?”
‘You might not agree with that, but it’s just a fact. I would say, “Sign a contract. Have a decent buyout clause in there that’s not ridiculous. And if Real Madrid want to buy you in 12 months then that’s up to you”‘
This article was updated 1 month ago
