Liverpool may have a ploy to wreck Real Madrid’s hopes of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Spanish giants are keeping a keen eye on the right-back’s situation. Alexander-Arnold is a boyhood Liverpool fan and has made 302 appearances for the club already, but is out of contract in 2025 as it stands.
Though there has been no indication the vice-captain wants out, Real Madrid are known to have strong interest in Alexander-Arnold. Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on the defender’s situation and will pounce if they sense an opportunity to sign the player, especially on a free transfer next year.
The topic of a new contract has yet to be raised for the Liverpool academy graduate with the club’s new-look hierarchy focused on finding a manager to replace Jurgen Klopp. But the subject will be brought up once a successor to Klopp is secured.
And if there is any suggestion Alexander-Arnold is tempted by a move to Real Madrid, the Reds know that they have an ace card to pull out of the pack. The 25-year-old England international has long made it clear he wants to be the captain one day.
He was appointed the vice skipper to Virgil van Dijk last July and has thrived with his new responsibilities. And he said in 2018: “I want to become captain one day. That’s definitely a dream of mine.
“I hope with dedication, the right advice and the hard work that still needs to be put in that one day I might achieve that dream of becoming captain, something that me and my family will be very proud of if it comes.”
Van Dijk, 32, is also out of contract in 2025. The Dutchman will be offered a new deal but quite how many years Liverpool are willing to sign him up to is unclear.
And promising Alexander-Arnold that he can take the armband whenever the veteran Van Dijk does depart would surely be enough to keep him on Merseyside. In truth, Liverpool should not have to do much convincing given the full-back’s love of the club.
It is widely expected he will pen a new deal. But it is also not 100 per cent guaranteed given the uncertainty that comes with Klopp’s exit, and what is next for the club.
