Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future has been the subject of much conjecture in recent months, since his current contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the 2024–25 season.
The 26-year-old has been in fantastic form under Arne Slot, starting every Premier League game for the Reds, who are one point behind Manchester City at the top of the standings.
Real Madrid has showed a continuous interest in Alexander-Arnold, while Liverpool is working hard behind the scenes to extend his contract.
Steve Nicol says he ‘heard’ something about Liverpool’s vice-captain, which may be bad news for fans.
Steve Nicol believes Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool for Real Madrid.
With Dani Carvajal out for the foreseeable future due to an ACL injury, Los Blancos are desperate for a right-back and have long targeted Alexander-Arnold.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side signed Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer earlier this year and may be about to replicate the feat with Liverpool’s vice-captain, but the Reds will not go down without a fight.
Nicol believes Alexander-Arnold is a Real Madrid player if there ever was one, and that everything he has heard about the transfer situation thus far suggests the Scouser is on his way to the Spanish capital.
“If anybody fits the profile for Real Madrid, it’s Alexander-Arnold,” Nicol remarked on ESPN FC’s YouTube channel.
“A full-back who doesn’t really defend; someone praised him this year, but I’m not convinced about that.
“To be honest, all of the things I hear point directly to him going there. The fact that Carvajal suffered a serious knee injury will further increase Real Madrid’s desire.
“I get a feeling in a part of my stomach that Real Madrid and Alexander-Arnold are going to be getting together in the not-so-distant future.”
Who might Liverpool sign to replace Alexander-Arnold?
Conor Bradley is already at the club and might be given the opportunity to push his claim for a starting XI berth after breaking onto the scene under Jurgen Klopp last season.
Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen has been linked with a move to Liverpool as a potential replacement for Alexander-Arnold, with the Dutchman delivering a streak of outstanding performances under Xabi Alonso.
However, the Reds’ aim will be to sign Alexander-Arnold to a new contract, so it remains to be seen how the scenario develops in the coming months.