“Would I encourage it?” - Steve McManaman shares thoughts on Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially joining Real Madrid

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid winger Steven Mcmanaman has shared his thoughts on Trent Alexander-Arnold's future. He said that Los Blancos would want the English right-back but if he chooses to decline them, he will likely be at Anfield for life.

Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for Alexander-Arnold since last summer. These links have intensified after Dani Carvajal's season-ending ACL injury in October. Moreover, Lucas Vazquez has also suffered an injury and will be out for a few weeks. Hence, midfielder Federico Valverde is filling in at right-back.

Los Blancos are now reportedly looking to sign Alexander-Arnold in January, with his contract with Liverpool set to expire next summer. Steve Mcmanaman, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after leaving Anfield in 1999, said about the Englishman (via TeamTALK):

“Would I encourage it? I had the most wonderful time. I think if you speak to somebody else, Michael Owen was only there for a year, he had a great time but came back. I personally don’t know Trent’s situation. I think Liverpool want him to stay but it’s entirely a personal thing, isn’t it?”

He added:

“Do Real Madrid want him? I think every club in the world would want him, someone of his calibre on a free… I think that goes without saying.

"But he might want to stay here – his family are here – or he might think ‘You know what, I’ve been here 20 years as a man and a boy, I’ll try somewhere new’. Because once he stays, if he does stay and sign a five-year, six-year deal here, he’s here for the future, isn’t he, he’s here for life.”

In January 2025, Alexander-Arnold will be open to signing a pre-contract with foreign clubs for a potential summer move.

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Real Madrid target Trent Alexander-Arnold suffers injury, Liverpool boss provides update

The Reds beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday, November 9. Mohamed Salah first set up Darwin Nunez (20') before scoring himself (84'). With the win, they extended their lead to five points at the top of the table over second-placed Manchester City.

However, Trent Alexander-Arnold had to be subbed off in the 25th minute and he was replaced by Conor Bradley. When asked about the right-back's fitness, manager Arne Slot said after the match (via Liverpoolfc.com):

"It's difficult to say how serious it is, but it's always serious if a player goes out in the first half. Not because I didn't like him, but because he asked for it himself. He didn't ask for it because he was tired, he asked for it because he felt something.

"That's first of all not a good sign, but it is always difficult so close after the game to tell you exactly what it is. Let's wait and see. I would be surprised if we will see him playing for the England national team this week, but hopefully he can."

Alexander-Arnold has made 15 appearances across competitions for Liverpool this season, providing two assists.