Liverpool set to save millions with Trent Alexander-Arnold saga despite free exit to Real

Liverpool can save themselves millions even if Trent Alexander-Arnold completes a free transfer exit to Real Madrid. The Reds defender is yet to extend his contract beyond 2025 and has strong interest from the Spanish giants.

Alexander-Arnold can agree a pre-contract with a foreign club from January 1, 2025, if he does not sign renewed terms at Anfield. Real Madrid are reportedly set to offer the England international a mega offer to join Los Blancos, where he would unite with friend and Three Lions colleague Jude Bellingham.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real are willing to propose a lucrative £15million annual salary and a five-year contract. That could be too tempting an offer to turn down for the Liverpool vice-captain.

The Reds could lose one of their biggest stars and receive absolutely nothing in return. However, they might not need to spend a penny on a replacement given Conor Bradley’s fine start to life in senior football.

Arne Slot might even have had a succession plan in mind given that four of Bradley’s five substitute appearances this season have seen him replace Alexander-Arnold. The Northern Irishman also showed himself capable of being Liverpool’s first-choice right-back with some promising displays last term.

Having spent the 2022-23 season excelling on loan at Bolton, former boss Jurgen Klopp was determined to integrate the academy graduate into his first-team squad. With Alexander-Arnold struggling with a knee injury for parts of 2023-24, Bradley was given his chance to shine.

The 21-year-old made 23 appearances across all competitions, including 11 in the Premier League. His contribution was limited by a back injury he suffered at the start of the season.

His coming of age came in a thumping 4-0 victory over Chelsea at Anfield. He rattled home his first Liverpool goal with technical ability Alexander-Arnold would be proud to produce, and also bagged two assists.

Bradley set up two goals in a 5-2 victory over Norwich City in the FA Cup, proving he can replace the output of Alexander-Arnold. He ended the campaign with a goal and six assists, and played in the Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea.

A major advantage for Bradley over external candidates to replace Alexander-Arnold is his tactical versatility. He can play as a traditional wing-back, able to burst forward down the right wing.

However, he also has the technical ability and tactical nous to invert into a midfield position. This means Slot will be able to play the same system even if Alexander-Arnold departs.

Bradley has captained Northern Ireland on a couple of occasions, proving he can make up for the leadership qualities that Liverpool will lose from Alexander-Arnold’s departure. He would be the perfect replacement and cost the Reds nothing.