"All of the noises I hear" - Former Liverpool player comments on Trent Alexander-Arnold's future amid Real Madrid interest
Former Liverpool right-back Steven Nicol reckons Trent Alexander-Arnold is edging closer towards a move to Real Madrid. He believes the Englishman will likely join them next summer and be a great fit for the club.
Los Blancos suffered a major injury blow after Dani Carvajal suffered an ACL injury and was ruled out for the entire season. While the club offered him a one-year contract extension, he will turn 33 in January 2025. With only Lucas Vazquez as another right-back option, the Spanish giants have identified Alexander-Arnold as a potential signing.
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol believes the Englishman will move to the Santiago Bernabeu next summer as he said on ESPN FC (via TBR Football):
“Absolutely if anyone fits the profile of Real Madrid it’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. He’s a full-back who doesn’t really defend. People have been praising him for that this season, but I’m not so sure about that.
"He absolutely fits the profile of Real Madrid, and, if I’m honest all of the noises I hear absolutely points towards him going. The fact that Carvajal has had such a bad injury means that Madrid’s desire is even stronger. I get the feeling that in the summer Real Madrid and Alexander-Arnold are going to be getting together.”
Alexander-Arnold came through Liverpool's academy and has made 323 appearances for them, registering 19 goals and 83 assists.
Real Madrid unwilling to pay to sign Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold
Los Blancos are in a really tough position in the right-back position this season. With Dani Carvajal out for the season, they are only left with Lucas Vazquez. The 33-year-old isn't a natural right-back and has struggled to consistently put in good performances.
Hence, some reports suggest that the club could fastrack their attempts to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January for a nominal fee. However, as per Defensa Central (via Madrid Universal), Liverpool will demand around €50 million for their prized asset in January. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is unwilling to pay this amount.
Alexander-Arnold's contract with Liverpool expires next summer and he will be available for free if he doesn't sign a new contract. Hence, the Spanish giants are unwilling to pay a big amount to sign him in January.
Notably, they also held out for such a deal for centre-back Leny Yoro in the summer. The Frenchman's contract with Lille was set to expire next summer but he had a verbal agreement to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the Merengues were unwilling to pay a big fee for him and Manchester United swooped in to sign Yoro.
The Spanish side will, hence, be wary of something similar happening with Alexander-Arnold.