Real Madrid are in the final stages of securing Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer, according to multiple sources close to the negotiations. While nothing has been signed yet, discussions about the protracted transfer are ongoing as the Spanish giants look to bring the England international to the Bernabeu before next season.
Alexander-Arnold, who is in the final three months of his contract at Liverpool, has been a priority target for Real Madrid, with sources indicating the Spanish club has been tracking the 26-year-old for nearly two years.
The full-back has spent his entire career at Anfield since joining the club at age six. After progressing through Liverpool's academy, Alexander-Arnold made his first-team debut under Jurgen Klopp in October 2016. During his time with the club, he has made more than 300 appearances and won every major trophy, including the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup between 2019 and 2020.
In July 2023, Alexander-Arnold was named Liverpool's vice-captain, at which time he stated: "I've never been shy of saying what my ambitions are and that's always been to captain this club. This is a pathway and a stepping stone to that."
However, with his contract expiring this summer and no new deal appearing close, the relationship between Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool supporters has become increasingly strained. Tensions rose in October when he told Sky Sports that he would rather win a Ballon d'Or than another Champions League with Liverpool, leading some fans to believe he was prioritizing individual achievements over team success.
In December, after scoring against West Ham, Alexander-Arnold celebrated with a "chat" gesture, seemingly referencing speculation about his future. This further frustrated fans who felt he had done little to clarify his intentions publicly.
Reports of Real Madrid's interest intensified in January, coinciding with a difficult performance against Manchester United that resulted in abuse from some Liverpool supporters at Anfield. While Alexander-Arnold has since helped put Liverpool in a strong position to win the Premier League title, it remains uncertain what reception he will receive from fans as his departure seems increasingly likely.
Former Liverpool player Steve McManaman, who made a similar free transfer to Real Madrid in 1999, offered his perspective to BBC Sport: "If he does choose to go to Real Madrid and he does choose to forge a new adventure with a new language and a new lifestyle, all credit to him. It's a fantastic opportunity for him if he does go, and no doubt that he will be a superstar there as well."
McManaman also highlighted the double standard often applied to homegrown players: "It's unfair [to expect homegrown players to commit to one club for their entire career]. If Van Dijk or Salah leave then it it's Liverpool's fault, if Trent were to leave then it's Trent's fault."
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and top-scorer Mohamed Salah are also out of contract at the end of this season, potentially leaving the club facing a significant rebuild.
While Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley has shown promise when filling in for Alexander-Arnold over the past two seasons, McManaman believes the departure would leave "a considerable hole" at Liverpool.
"[Bradley is] a completely different player to Trent Alexander-Arnold," the two-time Champions League winner said. "Trent's numbers in an attacking sense are absolutely fantastic... but Liverpool fans and everybody will hope that Conor Bradley will be able to fill that void."
