“It’s to cover themselves when he leaves for free” - Carragher accuses Alexander-Arnold and his agents after Liverpool receive bid from Real Madrid

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has targeted the Reds' vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and his team after rumors revealed that Real Madrid submitted a bid for his signature to Anfield. According to reports (via Express), Los Blancos attempted to sign the right-back ahead of the January transfer window, but the Reds immediately rejected the offer.

The English giants, who are currently leading the Premier League table, are intent on holding onto Alexander-Arnold, one of their most important players. Indeed, the 26-year-old has played 333 games for the first team at Anfield, scoring 20 goals and providing 85 assists.

His contract is set to expire in six months, and he will be allowed to sign a pre-contract deal with another club from January 1. The Reds have been working towards renewing his deal, but negotiations have yet to be concluded.

Jamie Carragher is not pleased about Madrid's bid for Alexander-Arnold, and he has taken a swipe at the right-back because of it. Taking to his official X handle, the Liverpool legend wrote:

"The most important thing for @LFC in 2025 is winning the #PremierLeague. No one’s contract or future should come in the way of that!"

"I love Trent as a lad & a player, but his team would’ve told Real Madrid to bid & also would’ve known LFC would turn it down. It’s to cover themselves when he leaves for free. Again it’s something the club/fans don’t need with a huge game coming up," he added.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has spent nine seasons at the club. However, it seems likely at this point that he could leave, having failed to agree to a new contract over the past year.

---

Arne Slot speaks about Liverpool's contract situation with three key players amid Real Madrid links

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken about the club working to renew the contracts of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk. The trio have their contracts expiring next summer, raising questions about their futures at Anfield.

The three can speak to other clubs from January 1 onwards, with Real Madrid already pushing for Alexander-Arnold. However, Arne Slot has refused to look at the negative side of things, telling the press (via Liverpool.com):

“People will be talking more about it, not only about these three but also about other players, it's always a month where players can make a transfer. So it won't just be about these three but it will also be about the players we could bring in, or ones who could also leave. That's always the thing with summer and January.”

Liverpool will invite Manchester United for a Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday (January 5). The focus, however, could remain on Trent Alexander-Arnold and his flirtations with Real Madrid.