Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has been told he could be “the final piece in the puzzle” for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Alexander-Arnold has less than 12 months left to run his Liverpool contract and from January 1, 2025, he will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any potential suitors. This opens the door for Real Madrid to swoop in and the lure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in world football could be too tempting to turn down for the England international.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
While Alexander-Arnold has boyhood connections to Liverpool and may want to finish his career there, some believe Bellingham’s influence could sway his decision in favour of a move to the Spanish capital.
The duo has built a close-knit friendship since they spend ample time during international breaks with the England national team and Glen Johnson, a former Liverpool defender, acknowledged that Bellingham indeed could have a role to play in Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid.
WHAT JOHNSON SAID
In an interview with Betfred, Johnson said: “The club is 95% of the pull itself but of course, if he speaks to Jude and Jude tells him how great it is there, then that could make his decision final. Let’s face it, if Real Madrid come calling, then that’s where most players will want to go.
Jude could be the final piece in the puzzle when it comes to Trent making his decision, but I believe Trent would be up for the deal anyway, regardless of whether Jude is there or not.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Amid the growing speculation, Alexander-Arnold has hinted that his desire to win trophies will heavily influence his next career move. And Johnson believes that if the primary concern is adding more silverware to his trophy cabinet, Real Madrid would be the ideal destination.
“Real Madrid are guaranteed to win things,” he said. “So for Trent, it’s never going to be about money at that level because everybody’s paid very well, so if it’s trophies that he wants, then Real Madrid will guarantee that, but Liverpool fans would love to see him stay and fight for trophies at Anfield.”
WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
While Liverpool’s immediate focus is on domestic and European competitions, the looming uncertainty over one of their key players will undoubtedly remain a hot topic in the months leading up to January. However, in the short term, the focus is on the third-round fixture of the League Cup against West Ham on Wednesday evening.
