Liverpool have declined an approach for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid.
Although there was no formal offer, the Spanish side made an approach.
Alexander-Arnold’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and reports from Spain suggest that the 26-year-old has expressed his desire to play for Madrid.
Real Madrid will be able to discuss a pre-contract directly with Alexander-Arnold starting from midnight on January 1.
However, Liverpool seems uninterested in losing the player while competing for the Premier League title.
Three of their key players – instrumental in Liverpool’s successful era under Jurgen Klopp – have contracts expiring this summer, yet the team continues to perform exceptionally well in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk are currently in negotiations for new contracts, all of which are set to expire in the summer.
In an interview with Sky Sports in December, Alexander-Arnold stated: “I have been at the club for 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions, and none of those have been made public – and this one won’t be either.”
Carragher: Alexander-Arnold decision is different to Salah or Van Dijk
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher believes that Alexander-Arnold’s strong ties to Liverpool could complicate Real Madrid’s pursuit of the England international.
“I don’t necessarily believe he will leave, but I do think his situation is unique compared to the other players,” Carragher said.
“He faces a significant decision. I truly hope he signs a new contract. As a local player, I take pleasure in seeing local talents, whether at Liverpool or Everton, excelling. He has truly been a standout among the local talents we have seen come from our city. His contribution to the team has been exceptional, making him one of the greatest players in our local football history.
“I am really excited about the current form of Liverpool and the potential they hold for the future. I am eagerly waiting for him to sign on for the team. Hopefully, he shares the same enthusiasm.”
When it comes to football, clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona have a certain allure that attracts players from all over the world. It is a dream for many to play for these prestigious clubs, with players like Mbappe serving as prime examples of this aspiration.
However, the situation is slightly different for Trent, who is playing for his hometown club. If he were playing for a team like Chelsea or Arsenal, both located in London, the decision to move might have been more straightforward. The emotional attachment he has with the club he has been a part of since childhood adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
The January transfer window is now open, and the buzz around potential deals and rumors is at its peak. Stay updated on all the latest transfer news and gossip by checking out the ‘Transfers’ section on the Sky Sports app. Whether you are a fan of Liverpool or any other Premier League team, you can find dedicated transfer pages for each club to keep you in the loop.