Real Madrid make Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer decision amid Liverpool exit links: Reports

Spanish giants Real Madrid have taken a major decision in their pursuit of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold's services. Los Blancos have reportedly decided that they will only make a move for the 26-year-old on a free transfer at the end of the 2024-25 season.

The right-back worked his way up the Reds' youth ranks before making his first-team debut in the 2016-17 campaign. He has since made 325 more appearances for the Reds, racking up 19 goals and 83 assists in the process.

Alexander-Arnold's contract at Anfield is set to expire upon the conclusion of the current campaign. According to reports from TBR Football's Graeme Bailey, the club is believed to have offered him a contract extension that would make him the highest-paid English player in the Premier League (over £400,000/week).

While Liverpool remain defiant that Alexander-Arnold will sign the extension, there are still lingering doubts about his future at the club. With Dani Carvajal suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear that has ruled him out for the season, Real Madrid have emerged as the front-runners for Trent's signature.

However, according to the latest reports from The Telegraph's Mike McGrath, the Spanish giants have ruled out the possibility of paying a fee to sign the Englishman in January. Given that Arne Slot's side currently sit atop the Premier League and Champions League standings, it is also highly unlikely that they part ways with their prized asset mid-season.

If he doesn't sign an extension by January, Alexander-Arnold will be free to talk to Real Madrid and other top European sides about a pre-contract transfer for the 2025-26 season.

"It is unusual" - Journalist offers update on Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract situation amid Real Madrid rumours

Acclaimed football journalist David Ornstein has offered an update on Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract situation amid rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid. He claimed that there is still 'no breakthrough' in the negotiations, saying that we 'still lack a clear picture' of the circumstances.

With just seven months remaining on his contract, there is a possibility that the Reds' vice-captain departs Anfield on a free transfer at the end of the 2024-25 season. The contracts of club captain Virgil van Dijk and superstar forward Mohamed Salah are also expiring, which has put the administration in a precarious situation at the moment.

In his column for The Athletic, Ornstein wrote (via Empire of the Kop):

"It is unusual for someone so young, good and heavily associated with a team – especially one of Liverpool’s stature – to be so close to the end of their terms. The England international has shown firm loyalty to Liverpool and they are working hard to keep him, but so far there has been no breakthrough in talks."

"That has fuelled interest from elsewhere and Real Madrid's admiration is well documented... Liverpool do not want to lose such a key figure but they will need to do what it takes to meet his wishes. At the same time, suitors will try to entice him to leave. It's a live, ongoing situation that must be decided in 2025 or sooner. As things stand, we still lack a clear picture of the outcome," Ornstein concluded.

Up next, Alexander-Arnold will be seen in action in Liverpool's Premier League match-up against Newcastle United at St. James Park on December 4.