Liverpool face an uncertain future when it comes to the fate of three out of contract stars, but Real Madrid's stance on Trent Alexander-Arnold is becoming clear
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Trent Alexander-Arnold during Liverpool vs PSG
Trent Alexander-Arnold's long-term future has yet to be determined
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Nothing will change Trent Alexander-Arnold's mind over his Real Madrid move, it has been claimed. The Liverpool star is out of contract in the summer, and the reigning Champions League holders remain confident of snapping him up on a free transfer.
Madrid attempted to bring in the England international in January, after losing Dani Carvajal to a long-term injury. Liverpool were unwilling to play ball, though, keeping Alexander-Arnold on board for the title run-in.
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The Premier League closer is a little over two months away, putting what appears to be a clear end date on the defender's Anfield career. According to Marca, the player's commitment to Madrid is "confirmed" after he knocked back Liverpool's latest contract offer.
Alexander-Arnold is one of three senior stars out of contract in the summer. However, while questions remain when it comes to Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, the need for a new right-back appears to be more urgent.
Conor Bradley has filled in ably when fit, but there have been questions over the youngster's injury record. Another new face may well be required, but there is a potential spanner in the works.
READ MORE: Arne Slot gets major transfer boost as club green light deal for key targetREAD MORE: Liverpool icon sends message to FSG amid Virgil van Dijk contract stand-off
Replacement questions
With Bradley unlikely to be left as the only right-back option, a number of alternative names have been floated. Among them is Jeremie Frimpong, the Bayer Leverkusen star who impressed during the title win under Xabi Alonso last season.
According to reports on the continent (via The Echo), Frimpong has a clause in his contract which would allow the Reds to sign him for a little under £34million. The Dutch international was scouted by Liverpool as a youngster before joining Manchester City's academy, and explained he almost joined the Reds.
Dutch international Jeremie Frimpong in action against Spain
Dutch international Jeremie Frimpong has been touted as a potential successor
“There were scouts there like Liverpool, Bolton, Man City and a lot more. But I chose Liverpool first," Frimpong told Rising Ballers in January. "I was going to sign for them but back then, driving wasn’t a thing, my family wasn’t driving like that and it was far.
"And obviously, Man City was local so I tried Man City next and it made more sense. It was 15 minutes on the bus, so yeah.”
New injury blow
Liverpool have nine league games left to protect their 12-point advantage in the league, but Alexander-Arnold looks unlikely to be available for all of them. He picked up an injury during the Reds' Champions League elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
Trent Alexander-Arnold down injured during Liverpool vs PSG
Alexander-Arnold was forced off injured against PSG
"Trent is not available," Liverpool manager Arne Slot said ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle. "He will not be there at the final but he is still to be assessed. We do expect him back by the end of the season."
Liverpool finish their campaign against Crystal Palace on May 25, with no more responsibilities in other competitions. That is tipped to be Alexander-Arnold's final game for the club, but it remains to be seen how much sooner he will be able to return.
Calls for understanding
Robbie Fowler speaking in 2025
Robbie Fowler has given his take on the situation(Image: PA)
Alexander-Arnold has received a mixed reception from fans. Many naturally want him to stay, but there are some who wouldn't begrudge him a move to the Bernabeu - and a number of former Reds stars have empathised.
"I’m a Liverpool lad, I want him to stay, I want him to win everything with Liverpool but if he was to go I genuinely wouldn't have any complaints because he’s given everything to Liverpool," club legend Robbie Fowler told talkSPORT. "I can see if he does go, his conversation with everyone, ‘I just want a new challenge’ and I’ve honestly got no qualms with that at all.
"It would disappoint me and it would disappoint every single Liverpool fan but I think deep down they’d appreciate what he’s done for Liverpool. But look, he’s not gone yet so there’s a little bit of a glimmer of hope there that he could stay and as much as Real Madrid will be calling for him as a player, he’s still a Liverpool player."
Steve McManaman speaking in 2025
Steve McManaman previously left Liverpool for Real Madrid
The defender wouldn't be the first to make such a move. Fowler's former Anfield team-mate Steve McManaman made the switch back in 1999, "Would I encourage it? I had the most wonderful time," McManaman said on TNT Sports in November.
"Do Real Madrid want him? I think every club in the world would want him, someone of his calibre on a free... I think that goes without saying.
"But he might want to stay here - his family are here - or he might think 'You know what, I've been here 20 years as a man and a boy, i'll try somewhere new'. Because once he stays, if he does stay and sign a five year, six year deal here, he's here for the future, isn't he, he's here for life."
Madrid's feeling
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham celebrating with England
Alexander-Arnold would be joining England team-mate Jude Bellingham in Madrid
Real Madrid are said to remain extremely confident over a deal. Alexander-Arnold would be joining his good friend and England team-mate Jude Bellingham in Spain, while helping fill a problem position for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
There have been other names mentioned, though, One of those is Manchester City star Manuel Akanji, though Marca suggests the 29-year-old is unlikely to make the move.
At 26, Alexander-Arnold is considered to better fit the profile for what Madrid want to do in the coming years, namely bringing in stars who can contribute for a long period. It's something they have already done with Bellingham, while Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni are both expected to be in for the long haul.
Unless Real Madrid's confidence is misplaced, Alexander-Arnold has fewer than 10 games remaining in Liverpool red. The challenge now is simple - to finish the season as a Premier League winner.
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