Liverpool Face Battle to Keep Alexander-Arnold Amid Madrid’s Growing Interest | OneFootball

Liverpool Determined to Retain Alexander-Arnold as Real Madrid Plot Summer Move

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future remains one of the most pressing issues at Liverpool, with Real Madrid showing an unrelenting desire to lure the right-back to Spain. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish giants have made Alexander-Arnold their primary transfer target for the summer and remain confident of securing him on a free transfer.

Despite Madrid’s pursuit, Liverpool are adamant they will do everything possible to extend his contract. However, with the 26-year-old yet to agree terms, the uncertainty surrounding his next move continues to dominate discussions at Anfield.

Real Madrid’s Persistent Interest in Alexander-Arnold

Romano has made it clear that Madrid’s admiration for Alexander-Arnold is far from casual. Speaking in his latest YouTube update, he outlined the intensity of their pursuit: “The expectations since December is for nothing to happen in January. I don’t expect any move for Trent Alexander-Arnold.”

Photo: IMAGO

“Real Madrid tried to approach Liverpool at the beginning of the window, but they understood immediately that for Liverpool it was not the case to negotiate, 20, 25, 30 million… Liverpool want to keep Trent Alexander-Arnold and want to try to extend his contract till the end of the season, until they have a chance. Liverpool will try and try and try.”

This persistence from Madrid is not surprising. Dani Carvajal is entering the latter stages of his career, and Alexander-Arnold is seen as the perfect successor. His attacking prowess, pinpoint delivery, and ability to control games from deep midfield areas make him an ideal candidate to fit into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.

Liverpool’s Challenge in Contract Talks

Liverpool have made it clear they are unwilling to negotiate a sale, which is why Madrid’s interest is focused on a free transfer in the summer. But with Alexander-Arnold’s contract winding down, the Reds know they face a battle to keep him at Anfield.

The financial aspect of the deal could also play a role. Reports suggest that Alexander-Arnold is looking for a contract worth around €400,000 per week (£339,000), similar to his England teammate Jude Bellingham. At Liverpool, his new deal would likely include a leadership role, potentially with the captaincy once Virgil van Dijk moves on.

The Anfield hierarchy must balance their wage structure while ensuring that they retain one of the club’s most important homegrown players. The risk of losing him to a direct European rival would be a significant blow to both Liverpool’s playing squad and their identity.

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s Future Also in Doubt

Alongside the uncertainty surrounding Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool are also dealing with Mohamed Salah’s contract situation. The Egyptian’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and while Liverpool remain hopeful of keeping him, there has been no significant progress.

Salah has publicly stated that this could be his final campaign at Anfield, and with interest from Saudi clubs intensifying, Liverpool are working behind the scenes to secure a resolution.

Defensive Reinforcements Under Consideration

With uncertainty around key players, Liverpool are also looking at strengthening their squad. Romano reports that Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is Liverpool’s primary target for a summer move, but concerns over competition from other European clubs could prompt the Reds to accelerate their pursuit.

Given Van Dijk’s advancing years and Ibrahima Konaté’s injury history, Liverpool are keen to reinforce their defensive options under Arne Slot. If Alexander-Arnold were to leave, the club would also need to consider a right-back replacement.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool, the idea of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid is unsettling. He is not just a right-back; he is a generational talent, a local lad who embodies the club’s philosophy. His ability to dictate play from deep, contribute with set-pieces, and step into midfield when needed makes him irreplaceable in many ways.

If Alexander-Arnold is genuinely considering leaving, the club must do everything possible to convince him to stay. He has already been identified as a future captain, and with a new contract and assurances about Liverpool’s ambition under Slot, there is still hope he will commit his long-term future to Anfield.

Financially, Liverpool have always been cautious with their wage structure, but some exceptions must be made. Losing him on a free transfer would be a disastrous scenario, and the club needs to act decisively before Madrid gain the upper hand.

While Madrid’s interest is understandable, Liverpool fans will expect the club to fight to the very end. Alexander-Arnold is more than just a target for Madrid; he is a symbol of Liverpool’s identity. Keeping him at Anfield must be a priority.