Real Madrid ready to test Liverpool’s resolve over key contract decision | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s Pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold: A Strategic Move or Wishful Thinking?

Liverpool’s vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has become the subject of intense transfer speculation, with Real Madrid reportedly ramping up their interest in securing him on a free transfer this summer. As first reported by The Telegraph, the La Liga giants are employing their now-familiar ‘all-or-nothing’ approach to recruitment, seeking to capitalise on the Englishman’s contract situation at Anfield.

Despite their clear interest, however, significant hurdles remain. Can Real Madrid realistically prise Alexander-Arnold away from Liverpool? And would the 26-year-old be willing to swap the Premier League for La Liga? Here’s a closer look at the factors at play.

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Why Real Madrid Are Confident in Landing Alexander-Arnold

A Calculated Transfer Strategy

Real Madrid’s ‘all-or-nothing’ transfer policy has proven highly effective in recent years. They either go all out for generational talents—such as their £115 million signing of Jude Bellingham—or wait patiently to snap up world-class players for free. The latter approach has brought Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba and Kylian Mbappé to the Bernabeu.

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Given Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation, Real Madrid see an opportunity to add a top-class talent to their ranks without spending on a transfer fee. As The Telegraph highlighted, Madrid previously tested Liverpool’s resolve with a £20 million bid in January—an offer dismissed out of hand. Their focus remains firmly on a Bosman signing in the summer.

A Position in Need of Reinforcement

Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive options have been stretched thin, particularly at right-back, where Dani Carvajal’s injury has forced Madrid to improvise. In the recent Champions League clash against Manchester City, midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde were drafted into the backline. Bellingham acknowledged the challenges they faced, stating:

Alexander-Arnold would offer Madrid a long-term solution, combining elite passing, technical quality, and tactical versatility to thrive in Ancelotti’s system.

Financial Incentives

While Real Madrid would save on a transfer fee, the deal would still come at a significant cost. The top-tier free agents at Madrid typically command salaries of around £8 million to £10 million net per season—equivalent to approximately £400,000 per week.

Liverpool’s wage structure has historically been more conservative, but keeping Alexander-Arnold would likely require a new contract in the same ballpark. The question is whether FSG are willing to match Madrid’s financial firepower to keep one of their most prized assets.

Alexander-Arnold’s Personal Ambitions

Alexander-Arnold has remained characteristically tight-lipped about his future, focusing on Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge. However, his past statements hint at his long-term aspirations. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:

Would he believe that his best chance of achieving such an honour lies at Anfield or the Bernabeu? Given Madrid’s dominance in Ballon d’Or winners, it is a question worth asking.

Liverpool’s Stance and the Reality of the Situation

Despite Real Madrid’s confidence, Liverpool remain in a strong position. While Alexander-Arnold is free to negotiate with foreign clubs, there is no indication that he has done so. As Jamie Carragher noted on The Gary Neville Podcast, Liverpool were never going to entertain Madrid’s January bid. His departure is far from a foregone conclusion.

Moreover, with Arne Slot set to take the reins at Anfield, the club’s next managerial era is about to begin. Ensuring Alexander-Arnold remains part of that project will be a priority for Liverpool’s hierarchy. As one of the team’s vice-captains and a local hero, his bond with the club runs deep.

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For Liverpool supporters, this transfer saga is a growing concern. Alexander-Arnold isn’t just another player—he embodies the club’s philosophy, having risen through the ranks of the academy to become a vital cog in the first team. Losing him, especially on a free, would be a bitter pill to swallow.

From a tactical standpoint, his role has evolved significantly. No longer just a right-back, he has been instrumental in Liverpool’s midfield transitions, acting as a deep-lying playmaker in possession. If he leaves, replacing him would be an enormous challenge, both in terms of quality and leadership.

The financial side of this deal is also troubling. If Real Madrid are offering an exorbitant salary, it raises questions about Liverpool’s ability to compete at the highest level. While the club has been well-run financially, losing a homegrown star because of wage constraints would frustrate fans who have seen rival clubs flex their financial muscle in recent years.

Perhaps the biggest worry is what this move would signal. If Alexander-Arnold—one of the club’s most committed figures—is willing to walk away, what does that say about Liverpool’s ambitions? The club needs to act decisively. Whether that means offering a new contract on par with Madrid’s proposal or convincing him that Anfield is still the best place for his career, time is of the essence.

Liverpool have fought off Madrid’s interest before. The challenge now is ensuring history repeats itself.