Premier League leaders Liverpool rejected an approach to buy out the versatile fullback’s contract, currently expiring this coming summer, with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti refusing to engage questions about potential January signings as another potentially messy transfer saga brews behind-the-scenes.
Reds rebuff Real in Trent talks, as expected
Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2024-25 so far:
27 appearances (26 starts) for club and country this term
Six assists created, two goals scored from right-back position
Jury still out on Northern Irish understudy Conor Bradley (21)
Liverpool rebuffed the Champions League holders’ inquiry when approached about signing Trent Alexander-Arnold this month, per the Guardian last weekend.
The 26-year-old, whose long-term future on Merseyside has been a subplot of their promising campaign, is one of three key players who haven’t signed extensions – but entering his prime years and in a position Real seek to strengthen, especially at a discounted price given the England international’s true market value.
A second approach with an offer believed to be in the region of €25m (£20.6m) was also shot down, Liverpool’s hierarchy naturally still eager to retain his services. When asked about January signings, Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulty discussing deals that were out of his control before their La Liga away trip to Valencia.
“We are going to have to wait and see, we’re focused on all these games in January and the game tomorrow [against Valencia] – got nothing more to say. It’s not sensible for me to speak about the market right now. Right now is not the place to talk about it. We will see what will happen but I have a great squad. We have got injuries, problems but are also able to overcome them.”
Liverpool seek to do the league and continental double this term under new head coach Arne Slot, leading on both fronts across England’s top-flight and a revamped Champions League format with more matches and permutations to consider.
As of yesterday, Alexander-Arnold is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any non-English clubs, a lucrative decision that would end his near 20-year association with Liverpool. International teammate and Real midfielder Jude Bellingham could play a role in convincing him to make the move, given their off-field friendship.
Discussions with Trent and his representatives – brother Tyler is the man in charge of his interests – over a new contract extension have continued for months, with the Reds given no inclination Alexander-Arnold would like to leave.
The club’s top marksman Mohamed Salah and influential captain Virgil van Dijk, themselves also out of contract on July 1, have spoken when questioned about their respective futures. Salah has repeatedly hinted this will likely be his final season in England, though van Dijk is keeping his options open after Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Last month, Alexander-Arnold sent a clear message when he said: “I have been at the club 20 years now and have signed four or five contract extensions … none of those have been played out in public. This one won’t be either.”
Madrid’s approach for Alexander-Arnold was rebuffed before any financial package for buying out the remainder of his contract could be offered.
Picture source: Getty Images, quotes hyperlinked
Mo and Sports 