Real Madrid are apparently closely monitoring the situation surrounding Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield.
With his current deal set to expire in 2025, Alexander-Arnold will be weighing up his future at the club he has called home since his youth.
Alexander-Arnold, now 25, has become a key figure for Liverpool, making over 300 appearances since rising through the academy ranks. However, with former manager Jurgen Klopp stepping down at the end of last season, new coach Arne Slot's arrival signals a potential new chapter for both Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold.
Reports from The Independent suggest that Alexander-Arnold plans to "see how things go" over the next 12 months before making any decisions about his future.
And that is said to have sparked interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid, who are known for targeting players in the final year of their contracts. The English defender's close relationship with fellow England international and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham could also influence his decision.
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Could Trent Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid?
Interestingly, just 18 months ago, Alexander-Arnold and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson were reportedly trying to persuade Bellingham, then at Borussia Dortmund, to join Liverpool.
Now, with Bellingham thriving at Real Madrid, the tables may have turned, with Bellingham potentially able to encourage Alexander-Arnold to make the switch to Spain.
Despite the allure of playing for Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold has always expressed deep loyalty to Liverpool. In a 2018 interview with The Times, he shared his dreams of staying at Liverpool for his entire career and even becoming the club's captain one day.
There is nowhere else I’d rather be than Liverpool," he said.
"It’s what I’ve always dreamed of. Liverpool are special. It’s completely down to the fans. Whether we are winning or losing, we always have their love."
As Liverpool's vice-captain, Alexander-Arnold has shown dedication and commitment to the club. His potential departure would mark a significant change for Liverpool, and fans are keenly watching how this situation unfolds.
For now, Alexander-Arnold's future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Liverpool supporters will be hoping that their star defender chooses to continue his journey at Anfield, leading the team to new heights in the coming years.
