Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement named as Liverpool star 'closes in' on Real Madrid transfer | OneFootball

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly closing in on a free transfer to Real Madrid

Steve McManaman admits Trent Alexander-Arnold would leave "a considerable hole" at Liverpool amid talk of a free transfer to Real Madrid, but has named a potential replacement.

As a result, the right-back - who has been able to speak to teams outside of England with regards to signing a pre-contract agreement since January 1, 2025 - looks set to leave his boyhood club for free in the summer.

And according to multiple reports, he is closing in on a move to Real Madrid having been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish giants over the past 18 months.

Should Alexander-Arnold depart, Liverpool will need to find a replacement and McManaman is hopeful that Conor Bradley, who has proven a reliable understudy to the England international, when called up in the past two seasons, can fill the void.

"You have a standard level and every year, you try and improve and get better and better.

"We all hope that Conor Bradley achieves that and becomes the superstar that people are talking about when they talk about Trent Alexander-Arnold."

Bradley has made 22 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool this season, though he is yet to score and has provided two assists which is eight fewer than Alexander-Arnold’s goal contributions.