Trent Alexander-Arnold moving closer to Real Madrid move – reports | OneFootball

Liverpool look set to lose one of their biggest homegrown talents, with reports emerging that Trent Alexander-Arnold is closing in on joining Real Madrid upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

The 26-year-old right-back, whose deal at Anfield runs out in just over three months, has been linked with a move to the Spanish giants throughout the season.

Real Madrid have long been admirers of Alexander-Arnold, with their interest dating back at least 18 months. Now, it appears they are set to secure his signature, according to various reports.

Liverpool have been keen to keep their vice-captain at the club, but with no contract extension agreed, it has become increasingly clear that he intends to leave in the summer.

Madrid tried to sign the England international for a cut-price fee in January but were unsuccessful, but now look set to land him on a free transfer.

If completed, the transfer will be a significant blow to Arne Slot’s Liverpool, given Alexander-Arnold’s deep connection to the club and his role in their success over the years.

Having joined Liverpool’s academy at the age of six, he made his senior debut in 2016 and has since made 349 appearances, scoring 22 goals and providing 87 assists and many significant moments along the way his contributions have helped Liverpool win eight major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League and has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world.

Despite being relatively quiet about his future compared to teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk who are also out of contract this summer, Alexander-Arnold has previously spoke about wanting to leave a lasting legacy at Liverpool.

However, as his contract nears its end, it now seems that legacy will be concluded at the end of this season.

The Reds currently hold a 12-point lead at the top with nine games remaining, and Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to sign off with another league winner’s medal.

However, his immediate focus will be on regaining fitness. The England international suffered an ankle injury during Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to PSG earlier this month, forcing him to miss the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle. His return date remains uncertain, though Liverpool’s next fixture is the Merseyside derby against Everton next Wednesday.

If the move is finalised, Alexander-Arnold will follow in the footsteps of Steve McManaman and Michael Owen, who both left Anfield for the Santiago Bernabéu. However, losing a player of his calibre and deep-rooted connection to the club will be a significant blow for Liverpool fans.

While neither Liverpool nor Real Madrid have officially confirmed the transfer, reports suggest that Alexander-Arnold’s departure is now a matter of when rather than if.

If the move goes through, it will mark the end of an era for Liverpool and the start of a new chapter for one of their greatest academy graduates.