Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid is all but done, according to reports in Spain, with the Liverpool FC star’s signature now the only thing missing.
Everything else is said to have been agreed for a transfer which would unite Alexander-Arnold with England team-mate and good friend Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu. The Liverpool academy graduate has never played for any other club, but with his contract due to expire in June, he will be free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club from Wednesday onwards.
Talks between Alexander-Arnold’s entourage and Real Madrid have reportedly been taking place for some time. And according to AS, ‘everything is agreed, pending the signature’.
The same report states that Alexander-Arnold’s move to the Spanish capital is ’90 per cent complete’ after an acceleration in recent weeks. If all goes to plan, the 26-year-old will see out the season at Anfield and join up with his new club in the summer.
Out of respect for Liverpool, Los Blancos have reportedly agreed not to publicly announce Alexander-Arnold’s arrival before the end of the season, even if it is effectively sealed next month.
The England international is believed to have snubbed Liverpool’s contract offers, and he recently spoke about the importance of leaving a legacy as one of the best right-backs to ever play the game.
“Of course [I want to win] more trophies but I think on a personal level there’s a legacy, building a legacy,” he said. “That is something that is important. Just being spoken about in the highest regard, especially after you have finished.
“So I think in 10 or 15 years, if I am spoken about as one of the best right-backs or the best right-back then that is what I am playing for now, I think. And using it as motivation.”
Liverpool are in a perilous contract situation, with key men Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also entering the final six months of their deals. Reds manager Arne Slot claims that the duo, along with Alexander-Arnold, are in constant discussions about extending.
“You will not get an answer from me about whether one of them has extended,” he said. “They are in talks with the club. Let’s wait and see what happens. As long as they keep performing like this, the manager or the head coach is happy with them.”
