Jude Bellingham surprises Trent Alexander-Arnold amid Real Madrid transfer speculation

England stars Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold rekindled their close friendship as they reported for international duty. The duo have developed a strong bond since becoming Three Lions team-mates.

Their relationship has furthered suggestions they could become club colleagues too. Bellingham’s Real Madrid have been linked on multiple occasions with Alexander-Arnold, whose Liverpool contract expires next summer.

For now, their focus is on the Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland. The England squad linked up at St George’s Park on Monday, which was also Alexander-Arnold’s 26th birthday.

A large card was placed in reception to mark the occasion. Having arrived first, Bellingham plotted to surprise his friend by hiding behind it – waiting over 20 minutes to execute the prank.

When asked if Alexander-Arnold had returned the favour on his birthday at Euro 2024, he told the England YouTube channel: “No, I got a cake that was like that big [forms a small circle with his hand] and had a candle in it. Is what it is.”

As Alexander-Arnold arrived, he appeared to clock Bellingham’s presence, meaning the jump scare didn’t quite have the desired effect. They both burst into laughter and shared a warm embrace.

Bellingham then playfully asked: “How old are you now?” To which Alexander-Arnold jokingly replied “22” before they both smirked at the camera.

The two are often inseparable during international camps, with Alexander-Arnold previously revealing that Bellingham is his closest friend in the England set-up. It’s not what Liverpool will be wanting to hear, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also in the final months of their deals.

Speculation about a possible free transfer for Alexander-Arnold to Real has intensified after their first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal sustained an ACL rupture in last weekend’s victory over Villarreal. The 32-year-old is anticipated to be sidelined for at least eight months, which could prompt them to secure a long-term replacement.