Molby: “Trent will go on a free to Real Madrid unless something changes very soon” | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool’s Local Hero or Madrid-Bound Maverick?

Real Madrid Move Looming Over Anfield’s No. 66

In the latest “Molby On The Spot” podcast, hosted on Anfield Index, Jan Molby sat down with Trev Downey for a conversation that Liverpool fans won’t be forgetting any time soon. The Danish midfield icon pulled no punches in discussing the speculation around Trent Alexander-Arnold and his Liverpool future – or lack thereof.

When the conversation turned to Trent’s contract status, Molby was disarmingly blunt. “There’s nothing to suggest that he wants to stay,” he said, laying the groundwork for what would become an uncomfortable truth for many Kopites. The situation is stark: Trent is out of contract in the summer of 2025, and according to Molby, “he will go on a free to Real Madrid unless something changes very soon.”

Downey, visibly taken aback, asked for clarification, and Molby doubled down: “That’s the word. He will leave for free.” There was no sugar-coating it – the boy from West Derby, the scouser in Liverpool’s team, may well walk away from Anfield without the club receiving a penny.

Trent’s Motivation in Question?

What added extra sting to Molby’s assessment was his evaluation of Trent’s current mindset. “He’s not really been at it this season,” Molby observed. “He’s not had that fire.” He stopped short of accusing Alexander-Arnold of downing tools, but there was a clear suggestion that something had changed in the full-back’s commitment or drive.

Molby’s tone was not one of anger, but of disappointment. “You expect more,” he said. “Especially from someone who’s been brought up in the club.” It’s that sense of betrayal, the idea that the one you thought was loyal is plotting an exit, that permeated the conversation.

Trev Downey pointed out the timing of the potential move, asking if it was linked to Jurgen Klopp’s departure. Molby didn’t dismiss the idea, noting, “It’s possible, yes. He was close to Klopp. Maybe he doesn’t fancy what’s next with Arne Slot.”

Madrid Calling, But Is It the Right Move?

While some might frame Real Madrid’s interest as a career-defining opportunity, Molby raised an eyebrow: “They’ve already got Carvajal and brought in young players too. It’s not a clear fit.” But that wasn’t the point, he admitted – this move “has the feel of one that’s already been decided.”

It wasn’t just about football. It was about image, brand, prestige. “Maybe he sees himself as more than Liverpool,” Molby mused. “And Madrid? They’ll give him that.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Next Move – Or Lack of One

Perhaps the most damning part of the conversation was Molby’s criticism of Liverpool’s inaction. “How are we here? A player like Trent with a year left? That shouldn’t happen.” It was, in his view, a failing at boardroom level.

“The club should have seen this coming,” he said. “And now? They’ll lose a generational player for nothing.”

Downey agreed, noting how Liverpool fans will struggle to accept this. “They’ve lived through losing Torres, Suarez… but this one feels different.” Because Trent is one of their own. That is the essence of the heartbreak.

Future Still Unwritten – But the Ink Is Drying

Molby didn’t rule out a last-minute U-turn. “Of course things can change. He might sit down with Slot. Something might click.” But that hope was tempered. “Right now? Everything points to him leaving.”

The “Molby On The Spot” podcast has always delivered raw honesty, but this episode cut deeper than most. If Jan Molby is right, Liverpool fans have just a few months left to savour their No. 66 in red.

And if that’s true, then come next summer, Anfield will be quieter – not just because Trent Alexander-Arnold is gone, but because something more intangible will have left with him.