Robin Bairner
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool, Real Madrid, 2024/25
© IMAGO
Trent Aleander-Arnold finds himself in the middle of a transfer tug-of-war between Liverpool and Real Madrid before the two giants face off against each other in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Out of contract at the end of the season, Liverpool have little over a month to tie the right-back down to a new deal before he is eligible to talk to foreign clubs over the possibility of a move as a free agent in the summer.
Real Madrid have already exploited this system to sign Kylian Mbappe from PSG and are seeking to do the same to add the England star to their star-studded ranks.
Time is running out for the Anfield club, though it has been reported that Trent has received a ‘mega-money’ offer that could see him remain at Arne Slot’s side.
With his future in the balance, data analytics firm SciSports have given a clear indication of what the best decision for Alexander-Arnold is regarding the next steps in his career.
Trent told to stay at Liverpool
According to SciSports’ Career Advice tool, Alexander-Arnold should resoundingly stay with Liverpool.
It believes that there is no metric that it measures that can offer Trent a better future than the one he has on a personal basis at Anfield.
In terms of his development, his playing time, the style of Liverpool and the formation used by Slot, the Reds come out at least equal with Real Madrid each time.
Liverpool are Trent's ideal club, according to the data
© IMAGO - Liverpool are Trent's ideal club, according to the data
The Anfield side get a Club Fit score of 84, which is the best available for Trent.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, come in only eighth in his best transfer options with a rating of 71, behind the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and PSG.
Given that Trent has spent his whole career at Liverpool, it should perhaps come as little surprise that he fits the Anfield club like a glove – something that’s not been so evident when he’s played for England, for example.
Real Madrid don't score as highly as the Reds for Trent
© IMAGO - Real Madrid don't score as highly as the Reds for Trent
The Bellingham factor
Real Madrid have major pull factors in their favour beyond what is necessarily best for Alexander-Arnold.
After 20 years at Liverpool, he may simply feel that he needs a change of scene to freshen up his career, and what better venue than the Bernabeu?
He would, after all, be lavishly paid for moving on a free transfer to Real Madrid, where he could hook up with his great friend Jude Bellingham.
When Real Madrid come knocking on the door it shakes the whole house. It's hard not to accept.
- Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid
Bellingham, indeed, explained how attractive Los Blancos can be for players of the stature of Alexander-Arnold when speaking in the press conference prior to the clash with Liverpool.
“When Real Madrid come knocking on the door it shakes the whole house. It's hard not to accept.
“It's not a matter the other teams weren't good or were bad when I spoke to them, it's just that Real Madrid are on a different level.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham in England action
© IMAGO - Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham in England action
Bellingham would not be drawn on whether Trent will join him at the Bernabeu, however.
“He is a really good mate of mine and I want him to do really well, just not tomorrow night.
“We will see what happens but he is a Liverpool player.”
Only time will tell if Alexander-Arnold will follow the analytics and remain with Liverpool or be drawn by the glitz and glamour of Real Madrid, but for the moment, at least, it appears the Spanish side are winning this particular battle.