Trent Alexander-Arnold must heed Jurgen Klopp warning with Real Madrid move 'almost done'

Trent Alexander-Arnold could reap the rewards of taking Jurgen Klopp’s advice when it comes to making a decision on swapping Liverpool for Real Madrid.

The right-back is known to be a target for the Spanish giants, who he could join on a free transfer with his current deal expiring in the summer. Liverpool are in talks over an extension but no agreement is believed to be forthcoming as things stand.

It has been reported that Real Madrid are making rapid progress in their efforts to convince Alexander-Arnold to join them next summer. According to Spanish outlet AS, a deal is ‘almost done’ with financial terms having already been negotiated.

It would suggest that it is only a matter of time before Alexander-Arnold leaves his boyhood club and embarks on a new challenge. However, there is no guarantee that he will be a success at Real Madrid with Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez still on their books.

His former manager Klopp was proven right when he warned Philippe Coutinho the grass was not always greener before he joined Barcelona. He arrived at the Nou Camp to much fanfare but failed to meet expectations before leaving to join Aston Villa in 2022.

Before he decided to leave Liverpool and join Barcelona, Klopp said: “Stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour. Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player.”

Alexander-Arnold could benefit from taking Klopp’s advice in the knowledge that he will be forever adored by Liverpool fans if he decides to stay at Anfield.

He has also been central to their impressive form under Arne Slot, who has overseen a seamless transition from the previous era with Liverpool already six points clear in the Premier League title race.

There is an exciting project underway at Anfield and it seems clear that Alexander-Arnold will be given a crucial role if he opts to extend his stay on Merseyside.

However, if he joins Real Madrid, he will be running the risk of fading into the background in a squad full of established stars. Even players like Kylian Mbappe have struggled to assert themselves after being drawn in by the allure of playing for Los Blancos.

Only time will tell if Klopp’s warning rings true again, with Alexander-Arnold seemingly edging towards a Liverpool exit.