Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly informed Liverpool’s hierarchy of his desire to join Real Madrid next summer, according to reports from Spain.
Read also: Thomas Frank Gives Injury Update on Mark Flekken After Brighton Draw
The 26-year-old right-back’s contract with the Premier League leaders is set to expire at the end of the season, leaving him free to depart Anfield as a free agent.
Despite Liverpool’s efforts to secure a new deal, no agreement has been reached with the England international.
Spanish giants Real Madrid have prioritized Alexander-Arnold as one of their key targets for next summer’s transfer window.
While the club is also considering signing a new right-back in January due to Dani Carvajal’s season-ending cruciate ligament injury, they reportedly remain focused on Alexander-Arnold as a long-term solution.
According to Marca, Liverpool have made “several attempts” to extend Alexander-Arnold’s contract, but the defender is determined to join Madrid.
The Spanish club is prepared to wait until next summer to secure his signature but has left the door open to a January move if Liverpool signals a willingness to negotiate his transfer mid-season.
The situation adds to Liverpool’s broader contract concerns, as the club has yet to finalize new deals with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. Both players’ contracts are also set to expire next summer, creating further uncertainty around the team’s long-term core.
When asked about the contract situations of Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, and Salah, Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot remained tight-lipped.
“If we would [have updates], probably it is not the moment for me to tell you now,” Slot said on Friday. “In general, I don’t talk about contract situations here, and it would be a surprise if I was the one to announce that one of them had extended.”
Slot added: “It’s clear that from January 1, maybe for you guys, things change a lot. They [the players] are in constant talks with the club, and let’s wait and see what happens. As long as they keep performing like this, the head coach is happy with them.”
Liverpool, currently six points clear at the top of the Premier League, are gearing up for their next challenge as they travel to face West Ham on Sunday.
However, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their key players’ futures could prove a significant distraction as the season progresses.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alexander-Arnold highlights their determination to reinforce their squad with world-class talent.
For Liverpool, losing their star right-back could mark a significant shift in their defensive structure unless swift action is taken to address the contract impasse.
