Liverpool have suffered a major blow as Trent Alexander-Arnold has rejected a contract extension and is now on the verge of joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.
According to CaughtOffside, negotiations between the England international and Los Blancos are 99% complete, with a final agreement set to be confirmed soon.
This news comes as a crushing setback for Arne Slot, who made every effort to convince Alexander-Arnold to remain at Anfield and become a future club captain.
However, Madrid’s pull has ultimately proven too strong.
Alexander-Arnold’s future lies in Madrid
After months of speculation, Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Anfield when his contract expires this summer.
Despite interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Madrid have been leading the race for his signature and are now set to secure one of the world’s most technically gifted right-backs for free.
Sources have indicated that the 26-year-old was always leaning toward Madrid as his preferred destination, despite receiving interest from other top clubs.
Liverpool had hoped to tie down their vice-captain to a long-term deal, but the club has been unable to reach an agreement with the Champions League-winning full-back.
A devastating loss for Liverpool
Arne Slot is now preparing for his first summer transfer window, but losing Alexander-Arnold so early in his tenure is a massive setback.
The 26-year-old was expected to be a leader in Slot’s new era, with some even viewing him as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk as club captain.
However, Madrid’s ability to attract top talents has once again been evident, with Alexander-Arnold following in the footsteps of Kylian Mbappé, who also joined the club on a free transfer.
Liverpool must act fast in the transfer market
With Alexander-Arnold set to depart, Liverpool must move swiftly to secure a replacement.
Names such as Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen) and Malo Gusto (Chelsea) have been linked, but no immediate deal is in place.
Slot will now face the difficult challenge of replacing one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever academy graduates, a player whose passing ability and creativity have been crucial to the club’s success in recent years.
This marks the end of an era for Liverpool, and unless there is a last-minute contract twist, Alexander-Arnold’s next chapter will unfold in the famous white of Real Madrid.