Real Madrid will ‘walk away from January deal’ for Trent Alexander-Arnold as the club wait to sign Liverpool star on a free transfer once his contract expires
Real Madrid will walk away from attempting to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January in favour of holding out to secure a free transfer for the Liverpool star at the end of the season, according to reports.
The Englishman is amongst a trio of Liverpool stars at risk of being allowed to leave the club for free with Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah all having only a few months remaining on their deals.
Liverpool are actively negotiating with the three stars to extend their stay at Anfield but face competition from a host of Europe’s elite teams with Madrid being long-term admirers of Alexander-Arnold.
The reigning Champions League holders are leading the race to bring the accomplished full-back to the Spanish capital and have been stepping up their efforts to convince him that a move to Madrid is the best option.
A long-term injury to Daniel Carvajal has caused defensive problems for Carlo Ancelotti and the club were expected to try and lure Alexander-Arnold away in January, but have now scrapped their pursuit, as reported by The Telegraph.
The 26-year-old is amongst the Premier League’s most valuable players but will be available for a cut-price fee in the mid-season transfer window as his contract edges closer to expiration.
Real Madrid will reportedly walk away from attempting to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January
Liverpool manager Arne Slot (left) wants to keep Alexander-Arnold, but Carlo Ancelotti (right) is keen on bringing him to Madrid
Liverpool would likely be unwilling to let their vice-captain leave midway through the season given their dominant performances in the English top-flight and Champions League, but Madrid are now happy to wait for the star.
Waiting until June would allow the Santiago Bernabeu giants to recruit one of the world’s best players on a free transfer, as they did with Kylian Mbappe, but also opens up the possibility of other clubs jumping ahead of them.
Alexander-Arnold currently has no agreement in place with Liverpool and can sign a pre-contract agreement with any European club in January ahead of joining in the summer.
Such an agreement would come as a double blow to Liverpool as they risk losing one of their greatest-ever academy talents without securing any return on their long-term investment.
Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham’s (left) relationship with Alexander-Arnold is expected to play a part in the Spanish club’s pursuit
Alexander-Arnold’s current contract at Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season
Another option could also see Alexander-Arnold extend his stay on Merseyside with the England international believed to still be undecided about his future career prospects.
His close relationship with England and Madrid star Jude Bellingham could also influence any future decision and Alexander-Arnold could be tempted by playing for the serial Champions League winners.
Meanwhile, Salah’s future at the club is also at risk after the winger revealed he is yet to receive any offer from Liverpool executives despite his stunning start to the season.
The Egyptian recently declared he is ‘more out than in’ on extending his stay on Merseyside as the one-time Premier League champions decide on whether to offer the 32-year-old an extension.
