Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled since moving to Real Madrid and could soon be reunited with a former Reds star
Trent Alexander-Arnold before a Real Madrid game
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be reunited with a former Liverpool team-mate at Real Madrid
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Trent Alexander-Arnold could be on the verge of linking up with Liverpool teammate Ibrahima Konate at Real Madrid. Last summer, the Reds academy graduate traded Anfield for the Bernabeu in a transfer which saw the Spanish giants shell out £10million to secure his signature just months before his contract ran down.
Now, his former defensive partner Konate has now been touted for a possible free transfer to the La Liga club. Much like Alexander-Arnold, Konate's contract runs out this summer, meaning he could move to the Spanish capital as a free agent.
These rumours have emerged despite previous suggestions Real had cooled their pursuit of the defender. Nevertheless, this situation appears to have changed with Real said to harbour concerns about the fitness of Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao.
Spanish publication Cadena SER claims that Konate features on an extensive list of potential replacements for the three centre-backs.
It's understood the European powerhouses have been 'accelerating' their discussions with prospective signings ahead of the summer window.
Konate has experienced a challenging season, having been instrumental last term when Arne Slot guided the Reds to Premier League glory in his maiden campaign.
When asked about Konate's future at the club, the Liverpool boss said: "I spoke to him a few times. These are private matters and should stay between us, but it’s very obvious if something like this, a player needs time to be there for his family and also time for himself."
Former Reds defender Alexander-Arnold also contributed to the success, despite departing the club amid contentious circumstances. There have additionally been claims from Spain suggesting his future with the Spanish giants remains in doubt.
Following Xabi Alonso's dismissal, it was alleged current manager Alvaro Arbeloa had informed him he doesn't feature in his long-term plans. Nevertheless, this assertion has been widely challenged by conflicting reports from the Daily Mail, which insisted there is "no truth" to those claims.
Regardless, the season has definitely not unfolded as he was anticipating before joining the club. He has featured in 11 matches throughout the campaign, excluding this summer's Club World Cup, where he managed two assists across five games.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
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At the beginning of December, he sustained a muscular problem to his quadricep during the win against Athletic Bilbao. He hasn't featured for more than two months at the club.
Furthermore, Real boss Arbeloa has been utilising midfielder Fede Valverde at right-back and can now also rely on club skipper Dani Carvajal, who has returned to fitness. Considering all these factors, it might prove a challenging task for the England star.
Alexander-Arnold's aspirations of representing England at the World Cup appear to be fading. He has earned just one cap for the Three Lions since Thomas Tuchel assumed control.
The right-back was omitted from England's World Cup squad in 2022 and played a limited role in the Euro 2024 journey to the final, where he featured as a central midfielder.
Tuchel also revealed last year that Alexander-Arnold's former Liverpool teammate Jarrell Quansah is above him in the hierarchy, with the ex-Reds academy product excelling at Bayer Leverkusen.