Real Madrid open talks to sign Liverpool star: Reports

Liverpool have started their campaign under Arne Slot in solid fashion, as they currently sit at the top of the Premier League standings. However, uncertainty looms over the future of one of their key players, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Reports are suggesting that Real Madrid have now made contact with the defender’s representatives.

A Liverpool player through and through, Alexander-Arnold joined the Reds’ academy at the age of six. After impressing in the youth ranks, he made his first-team debut under Jurgen Klopp in 2016. Since then, he has made 318 appearances for the club and is now the team’s vice-captain.

However, the England international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. With numerous questions surrounding his future, Alexander-Arnold has remained tight-lipped but has expressed his ambition to win trophies, noting that he is driven by the desire to achieve success.

Real Madrid have long been considered front-runners, as they seek a replacement for Dani Carvajal, who will turn 33 next summer. According to Relevo, Los Blancos have now made contact with Alexander-Arnold's camp with the intent to sign him next season.

With his contract expiring next summer, Alexander-Arnold will also be free to negotiate with other clubs in January, a prospect that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is likely eager to pursue.

Real Madrid have certainly shown their ability to attract top talent, evidenced by their €103 million signing of Jude Bellingham in 2023, followed by the free transfer of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). With a star-studded squad competing for the top honors every season, Alexander-Arnold could well be the next marquee signing for the Spanish giants.

Former Scotland striker expresses concern over Liverpool’s future amid Trent Alexander-Arnold contract situation

Not only is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, but both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s contracts are also due to end in June 2025. These three players have been the backbone of the successful Liverpool side that won both the Premier League and the Champions League under Klopp.

Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist has expressed his concerns for Liverpool, stating that despite the Reds’ consistent performances this season, a ‘dark cloud’ hangs over the club due to the uncertain futures of these key players.

“We’re talking about three of their most important players and they have to do something about it. If not, that dark cloud will hang over the playing staff and the fans until it’s resolved. In an ideal world they would keep hold of all three of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk. All three of them are fabulous football players and top professionals. However, they can’t afford to just keep them for one season and then let them go on a free," he said (via Mirror).

Liverpool will certainly hope to resolve the futures of these players sooner rather than later, with the intention of having all three as part of the team next season under Arne Slot.