According to Spanish outlet Marca, Trent Alexander-Arnold has informed Liverpool’s management of his desire to join Real Madrid. The likelihood of him renewing his contract with Liverpool is diminishing, and his continued stay with the club seems almost impossible. The player has been captivated by the allure of Real Madrid and is eager to embark on a new adventure.
Alexander-Arnold is well aware of Real Madrid's situation, having received firsthand information from Jude Bellingham, a close friend of his in the football world.
Liverpool’s management does not want to delay resolving Alexander-Arnold's contract renewal until January 1, a scenario reminiscent of past situations involving Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. While Liverpool currently lead the Premier League, the futures of these three key players remain uncertain.
Alexander-Arnold’s case is particularly complex because he is a homegrown player, an England international, and still has a long career ahead of him. At 26, he remains full of potential. Over the past few months, Liverpool have made several attempts to reach a renewal agreement, but the situation has now reached a critical point, with Alexander-Arnold making his intentions clear to the club.
Liverpool's management understands that Real Madrid's interest in Alexander-Arnold is genuine and not merely a tactic from the player's agent. The club faces a decision: to negotiate a transfer in January or allow him to leave as a free agent in the summer.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, is adopting a wait-and-see approach. If Liverpool signals readiness, negotiations could begin at any time. Real Madrid’s advantage lies in the fact that Alexander-Arnold's contract is nearing its end, which places the decision in Liverpool's hands—whether to secure a transfer fee in January or lose him for free in the summer. Such scenarios frequently occur during the winter transfer window, and Real Madrid has handled similar situations in recent years, as seen with players like David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Kylian Mbappé.
According to Transfermarkt, Alexander-Arnold is currently the most valuable right-back, with a market value of €75 million. This season, he has made 16 appearances and contributed 4 assists.
Sources close to Liverpool indicate that the club does not intend to sell Alexander-Arnold in January, as they have several objectives to achieve this season and need to retain their core players until the contract expires. The relationship between the two clubs has always been strong, a bond that has been further reinforced in recent years. Just weeks ago, Liverpool reportedly contacted Real Madrid to confirm their interest in Alexander-Arnold.