It has been said that Jude Bellingham could be the ‘final piece’ to seal Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid this summer.
There are still 98 days before the Liverpool right-back can discuss signing terms with foreign clubs before his contract expires in the summer.
Arne Slot’s vice-captain has kept mum about his future, claiming he has ‘no control over it’ and that he only wants to ‘be a Liverpool player this season’.
Madrid have long been linked with the 25-year-old. In the last transfer window BILD reported that their interest was ‘concrete’ and The Independent claims he is on their shortlist for next summer.
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson said Betfred that the conversation with Bellingham could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and makes Alexander-Arnold decide to move.
Jude Bellingham (right) could be the ‘final piece’ that convinces Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid, says Glen Johnson
The couple grew closer during their service in England and spent this summer vacationing together in the US
Johnson admitted that Real Madrid’s biggest appeal lies in the club’s status, not Bellingham
“The club is 95% of the decision, but if he talks to Jude and Jude tells him how great it is there, then that could make his decision,” Johnson said. Betfred.
“Jude could be the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to Trent’s decision, but I think Trent is open to the deal regardless of whether Jude is in it or not.”
The pair spent the summer in the United States, where they went on holiday, with fans speculating that Bellingham was trying to persuade his England team-mate to join him in Spain.
Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold have become good friends since the former was introduced to the English club two years ago, with many wondering if the Liverpool right-back could convince the youngster to join Liverpool before signing for Madrid.
This summer, they were spotted partying together in LA and enjoying a meal at the famous Nobu Malibu.
Alexander-Arnold recently said he would like to become Liverpool captain, but that ‘trophy’ is the most important thing.
This first season under Slot can therefore be seen as a litmus test for whether they are able to compete for honours as they did under Jürgen Klopp.
Johnson added: ‘If you go to Real Madrid you are guaranteed trophies. That is a fact. Liverpool are not guaranteed trophies but they are very capable of winning them.
Alexander-Arnold’s contract at Anfield expires next summer and he can talk to foreign clubs in 98 days
Bellingham has had a remarkable first 15 months in Madrid and has become a fan favourite
Alexander-Arnold’s priority is winning trophies, which puts pressure on new boss Arne Slot
‘Real Madrid are convinced that he will win trophies, so for Trent at that level it will never be about money because everyone gets paid well. If he wants trophies, Real Madrid will guarantee it, but the Liverpool fans would like to see him stay and fight for trophies at Anfield.’
Johnson, 40, played for Liverpool for six seasons, between 2009 and 2015, and made 54 appearances for England.
He won the League Cup with the Reds, but Anfield has generally been a dry spell and the club is now better equipped to retain top stars than before.