Tonight’s Liverpool versus Real Madrid match is rife with storylines both on and off the pitch.
Both clubs are dealing with the injury issues, as well as Madrid suffering from performance issues of late, whilst Liverpool try to battle talks of their biggest stars leaving at the end of the season.
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One of the most significant stories from Liverpool’s season has been the links between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Los Blancos themselves.
Madrid have reportedly been eyeing up the star right-back for the future of their position, with current occupant Dani Carvajal turning 32 in January.
And this was before Carvajal tore his ACL last month, thrusting the position into existential importance for the Spanish giants.
One of the most significant links between Trent and the club was Jude Bellingham, who had clearly struck up a rapport whilst on England duty together. Reports emerged that Bellingham was tapping up Alexander-Arnold to make the Madrid move whenever he could get a chance.
When asked about it at the pre-match press conference yesterday, Bellingham said, "I'll be by his side with the national team, so that's guaranteed. He's a Liverpool player and talking about the future is disrespectful.”
“The important thing is to take the pressure off him.” the England star added, “He's a great friend and I wish him all the best. Except tomorrow!"
Could Jude Bellingham lure Trent to Real Madrid?
Mentioning that the important thing is to “take the pressure” off Alexander-Arnold regarding the decision is an interesting tacit admission of Madrid’s interest from the player. Until now, all involved have been withdrawn about the potential switch.
He is an incredibly media savvy person, understandably not wanting to disrespect the club he will have to face tonight, but the already open secret seemingly became wide open with this.
According to a recent report, Liverpool have offered Alexander-Arnold an eye-watering deal similar to Mo Salah’s current £350,000 a week. With Liverpool being arguably the best side in the world at present, Madrid will have to make the right-back one of their five highest paid players if they want any chance of securing his services.
Elsewhere in the press conference, Bellingham was asked about Liverpool’s interest in him before signing with Real Madrid.
"It wasn't as close as they said.” he explained.
“There were talks. Dortmund was there and I did it with several clubs. When Madrid calls you, there are vibes in the whole house. It's not that the others weren't good, it's that Madrid is on another level."
Hopefully Bellingham will be rueing these words come 10pm.
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