Liverpool and England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to make a high-profile move to Real Madrid when his contract at Anfield expires this summer. The 26-year-old has been a key figure for Liverpool throughout his career, making over 300 appearances and winning both the Premier League and Champions League.
Despite his stature at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to extend his current contract, opening the door for a summer switch to the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid recently made a speculative £20m offer for the defender, which Liverpool rejected. However, unless Alexander-Arnold signs a new deal, Madrid is poised to secure his services on a free transfer.
While a move to the Spanish capital seems like a natural progression for the talented defender, former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit has urged Alexander-Arnold to consider the challenges that come with such a move.
Petit warned that the intense scrutiny at Real Madrid could make life difficult for the England star, particularly given his defensive vulnerabilities.
Petit reflected on his own experiences of high expectations when he joined Barcelona, explaining that Madrid fans and management would likely disregard Alexander-Arnold’s past accomplishments with Liverpool. Instead, he would be expected to start fresh and meet the demanding standards of the club.
Despite Alexander-Arnold’s creativity and technical brilliance, questions about his defensive abilities have persisted. Petit suggested that his struggles in high-pressure defensive situations, like those witnessed during Liverpool’s recent matches, would not be tolerated at Real Madrid.
“If he performs defensively at Madrid like he has at times with Liverpool, they won’t forgive him,” Petit explained. “It doesn’t matter how many assists or goals he contributes; they’ll be ruthless.”
Alexander-Arnold has been a key player for Liverpool this season, recently assisting the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Brentford. That win helped Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points, as title rivals Arsenal dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.
The move to Real Madrid promises new opportunities but also significant risks for Alexander-Arnold. Whether he can thrive under the weight of expectations in the Spanish capital remains to be seen.