Liverpool identify ex-Barcelona star with €20 million release clause as ideal replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold: Reports
Liverpool have reportedly set sights on signing former Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza as the replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Reds will face competition from AS Roma, who are also interested in the Celta Vigo star.
As per a report in El Nacional, Liverpool want to sign a right-back in the summer and are scouting players. They are now aware of the €20 million release clause in Mingueza's contract at Celta Vigo and see him as the ideal option.
Barcelona still own 50% of his rights but are not looking to bring the Spaniard back to the club. Liverpool believe the right-back can be a good addition to Arne Slot's side and are set to make a move.
Alexander-Arnold has a year left on his contract at Anfield and he is yet to pen a new deal. He has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and The Athletic quizzed him about the contract status last month. He replied:
"Look, I have been at the club 20 years now. I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public. This one won't be either. I have always said I want to captain the club. That is an aim of mine and a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands, to be honest. I want to be a Liverpool player this season (as a minimum) is what I will say."
Mingueza is also heading towards the end of his contract but will be entering the final 12 months in the summer of 2025.
Will Trent Alexander-Arnold sign a new Liverpool contract?
Trent Alexander-Arnold has not ruled out penning a new deal at Liverpool. However, the Englishman has hinted that he would only sign a new contract if the club are still battling for trophies. Speaking to the media following the Reds' 3-0 win over Bournemouth in September, he said (via The Athletic):
"The most important thing is trophies. I want to win trophies. I'm a player who is highly motivated by winning things and being elite. That's probably the main factor of anything. If you have a personality that's elite, who wants to win and will do anything to win, then that's what drives them. We were close to the title last season and we won a cup. The quadruple was on for a while, I suppose, so the signs were there.
"This season, we're looking really good. It's still early days but we need to show a lot of consistency and beat a lot of teams. It will be difficult, but we're looking to win as many trophies as we can."
Real Madrid are keen on signing Trent Alexander-Arnold next summer when he becomes a free agent, according to several reports. The Blancos see him as the ideal replacement for Dani Carvajal, who injured his ACL earlier this season.