Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ‘move to Real Madrid is almost complete’, claims bombshell report in Spain – with Liverpool star ‘ignoring offers to stay at Anfield’ amid contract standoff
Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly closing in on the Bernabeu as the Liverpool right-back continues to ignore contract offers to secure a move to Real Madrid.
The defender has been with the Reds since 2004, made the first team in 2016 and quickly became a fan favorite with his sharp crosses and dangerous set pieces.
Since then, Alexander-Arnold has won the lot, lifting the Champions League trophy in 2019 and the Premier League title a year later, as well as an FA Cup and two League Cups.
He looked set to enjoy more success at Anfield later this season as Liverpool made a remarkable start under new boss Arne Slot to move six points clear in the table with a game in hand.
But the 26-year-old has moved closer to the door in recent weeks as contract negotiations stall and Real circle the star.
Now a bomb report in Spain IF has revealed that Alexander-Arnold’s move from his boyhood club is almost over.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid is nearing completion, according to a report
The defender has won a lot at the club at Anfield, including the Champions League in 2019
He is also starting to break into England, having been frozen out regularly in the past
The publication states: ‘Alexander-Arnold has one foot in Real Madrid. Trent continues to ignore Liverpool’s offers and answer Madrid’s calls… that he does indeed want to go to the Bernabéu. That he has no doubts.
‘And optimism is growing. Everything has been agreed, pending signing (which will clear the way from January 1). Countdown.’
The report shows that Real’s urgency to sign the star has increased in recent weeks, in light of Dani Carvjal’s injury problems and age (he turns 33 next month) and Lucas Vazquez’s unconvincing performances at wing-back.
Alexander-Arnold is the first choice, with Tottenham’s Pedro Porro considered as back-up. The good relationship between the clubs ensured that Los Blancos informed Liverpool within a reasonable time and that there were no problems.
Initially, the Reds backed themselves to convince the fan favorite to stay at Anfield, but are believed to be losing the race at the hands of the 15-time Champions League winners.
AS also draws attention to the Regulations Governing the Status and Transfer of Players, Section Three, Article 18, which states: ‘A club wishing to enter into a contract with a player must communicate its intention in writing to the player’s club before starts negotiations. .
‘The professional will be free to sign when his current contract expires within a maximum of six months.’
The only thing missing now is Alexander-Arnold’s signature, which could be made on January 1, but this will likely be a formality, the report suggests.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now hopeful of landing the right-back in January
Marca suggested on Saturday that Alexander-Arnold had told the Reds he wanted to leave
It has been reported that the Englishman will leave in the summer and not January out of respect
However, the right-back will opt to postpone his move until the summer out of respect for his boyhood side, a decision Real are expected to respect.
The latest step forward in negotiations comes after Alexander-Arnold reportedly informed Liverpool that he wants to leave the club to join the Spanish giants. Marcaon this Saturday’s front page.
The report claims that Real are willing to discuss terms when the transfer window opens, but notes that the Reds would prefer him to leave as a free agent in the summer rather than on a fee next month.
The opportunity to play alongside close friend and England teammate Jude Bellingham would also be an incentive for Alexander-Arnold to make the move.
Mail Sport indeed reported last night that Real has been there he becomes increasingly convinced that they can win the race for his prized signature and I hope he will join them on one free transfer next summer.
Sources close to Liverpool claim no agreement has been reached. And it is understood the player’s only contacts regarding his future so far have been with Liverpool.
But those in the Spanish capital are convinced that Alexander-Arnold wants a new challenge under Carlo Ancelotti and is already preparing to integrate the England international into their Galacticos squad.
It’s a high-pressure situation for Liverpool, who could lose an £80m signing for nothing.
The 26-year-old is set to become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the season
Alexander-Arnold has been consistently linked with a move to Ancelotti this season and is close to Jude Bellingham
He has registered four assists in the Premier League this season as Arne Slot’s side have stormed to the top of the table
The only way they could get a fee for Alexander-Arnold would be to sell him in the upcoming transfer window, but the prospects of that are virtually non-existent.
However, Real sees the lengthy contract talks as an opportunity to get him for free.
Liverpool will continue to look to tie their vice-captain to a new contract and until a pre-contract agreement is signed with another club – which is not yet final – they will still be looking to do so.
Alexander-Arnold certainly hasn’t given Real his word – and remains focused on this season with the club of his heart – but all the talk from Spain is that the club increasingly believe they can tempt him to jump ship if he decides to leave Liverpool.
Last weekend, Jamie Carragher claimed Alexander-Arnold’s legacy at Anfield could be damaged if he chooses to leave the club for free.
‘If he stays at the club. He will be remembered as one of the best players to ever play for the football club, not far behind Steven Gerrard,” Carragher said.
“If he doesn’t, he won’t be remembered that way. If he doesn’t care that’s fine, but I’m just telling you what Liverpool supporters are [think].’
He continued: “If I were to advise Trent I would say, it’s not just about leaving. I think people understand it at Real Madrid.’
Arne Slot has led his side to 22 wins, three draws and one defeat in his first 26 games in charge
Mohamed Salah has been in exceptional form of late and his contract also expires this summer
Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, will be free to talk to other clubs from January as his contract is about to expire
‘A big part of that is the free transfer. That’s a lot of anything. It’s the fear that you won’t leave us, [but] “Where’s our money to replace you?”
‘You may not agree with that, but it’s just a fact.
‘I would say, ‘Sign a contract. Make sure there is a decent buyout clause, that’s not ridiculous. And if Real Madrid want to buy you in twelve months…
The Premier League leaders also have the unresolved contract dilemmas of captain Virgil van Dijk and star man Mohamed Salah – and the Reds are working relentlessly to get new deals over the line, with ongoing discussions between the club and relevant parties in both situations.