Real Madrid are reportedly willing to pay ‘upwards of £20 million’ to capture Trent Alexander-Arnold’s signing ahead of free agency.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have made it clear that they are not interested in indulging in such rhetoric as they pursue domestic and European success.
It is not all doom and gloom for the Reds, as Melissa Reddy emphasises that the Merseysiders will now have a better knowledge of how to position themselves in contract discussions.
However, the player’s entourage is likely to have urged Madrid to test the waters.
“For Real Madrid, it tells us unequivocally that Trent Alexander-Arnold is their top fullback target and there’s no other alternatives they’re really considering,” stated a reporter for Sky Sports.
“They’re willing to spend up to £20 million to close a deal immediately, ahead of his free agency. So they’re making it very obvious that he’s their guy, and they’re willing to pay for him, get the transaction done ahead of schedule, and make a push right now.
“It has to be said that Real would never have approached Liverpool if the players had not encouraged them. At this point, I must emphasize that Trent has not expressed any willingness to leave Liverpool in January, nor does he wish to do so.
“We have to remember that he’s in the middle of a contract negotiation, so it benefits him for Real Madrid to show their hand, so Liverpool know their intentions and can then make him an offer worth considering.
“I think he’s actually in an incredibly strong position in terms of this negotiation.”
Michael Owen, for his part, will undoubtedly feel justified after reaching a similar conclusion on X (previously Twitter) on Tuesday, indicating the possibility of’secretive conversations’.
Liverpool still thinks they can keep Trent Alexander–Arnold
A transfer to Spain’s capital is absolutely not guaranteed at this moment.
However, we should not underestimate the task of persuading Alexander-Arnold to stay put, given Madrid’s advantage in offering our 26-year-old fullback a financially enticing deal.
“Liverpool were never going to accept his departure this month. That was a no go. They made it plain to Real about their league and Champions League objectives.
“They also haven’t given up hope of keeping Trent and signing him to a new contract.
“I think until he comes out and says, ‘I want to leave for Madrid’, they won’t give up hope. Why should they? So far, no one has said that.”
Can Liverpool satisfy both Trent and Mo Salah?
Money, beyond Trent’s specific objectives, will undoubtedly play a large role in proceedings, which confronts sporting director Richard Hughes with quite the problem.
Can Liverpool satisfy both players financially while maintaining a sustainable wage structure?
So far, Mo Salah has stood out as the exception to the rule, with a staggering salary for probably the Premier League’s most spectacular player.
It’s tough to imagine our recruitment team approving a deal that would pay Trent Alexander-Arnold (as excellent as he is) a comparable salary.
Would that give Real Madrid an advantage? Perhaps.
Only time will tell.
