Real Madrid is reportedly still hopeful of securing an early free transfer for Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, with rumors suggesting they might use their interest in Florian Wirtz as leverage. That's despite conflicting reports Los Blancos will cough up a fee.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, is set to join Los Blancos on a free transfer this summer, a move that has been widely anticipated. However, the Spanish club are eager for him to join them before his contract at Anfield ends next month so he can participate in the upcoming Club World Cup.
However, Liverpool is firm in their stance that they will not release Alexander-Arnold from his contract early without compensation, meaning Real may have to wait to see their high-profile summer signing in the United States.
This situation could potentially change due to Real's interest in Wirtz. As per Sport Witness, there is 'a game' between Real Madrid and the highly sought-after Bayer Leverkusen star, who appears to be heading to Liverpool.
Until a deal is finalized, Real Madrid holds 'hope' that they can swoop in - especially given the player's existing relationship with their new head coach, Xabi Alonso.
The report further speculates that Real Madrid's involvement in the race for Wirtz could be a tactic to pressure Liverpool into releasing Alexander-Arnold early.
Florian Wirtz is snubbing Bayern Munich to join Liverpool
Florian Wirtz is snubbing Bayern Munich to join Liverpool (Image: 2025 Pau Barrena)
The tactic to potentially unsettle Liverpool into releasing their academy-product right-back for free, enabling an early link-up with his new team ahead of the Club World Cup in June, might just be a bluff. Although the Reds seem to have won the race for Wirtz, outpacing Bayern Munich's interest.
After lifting the Premier League trophy, an appreciative Anfield bids farewell to Alexander-Arnold, contrasting the recent boos that had echoed around the ground.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool a Premier League title winner (Image: Getty Images/Getty Images For Th)
In response to the warm farewell, Alexander-Arnold expressed his deep emotions: "I didn't know what to expect at Anfield after what happened a few weeks ago. To get the reception that I got means more than anything to me.
"I hope that one day the fans of this club will be able to recognize the hard work and everything I've done for this team. There wasn't a second where I didn't think about this team. I've loved every single minute of it. It goes down as the best day of my life for me."