Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has been extensively linked to Real Madrid. (Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool is shrouded in uncertainty with less than a year left on his contract and Real Madrid reportedly sharpening their focus on the Reds’ vice-captain.
The Athletic has revealed that the Spanish giants view Alexander-Arnold as a “priority” signing, but are also weighing up other options, acknowledging that a move hinges on whether the defender opts against renewing his stay at Anfield.
The right-back’s current deal expires in the summer, alongside those of teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Yet, it’s the potential departure of 26-year-old Alexander-Arnold that could deliver the most significant blow to the Merseyside outfit.
And the club fear they already know that he is planning to leave for Spain.
Alexander-Arnold, who has risen through Liverpool’s ranks with the promise of one day wearing the captain’s armband, has openly expressed his long-term vision for his career at the club, however.
“I have always said I want to captain the club,” Alexander-Arnold declared to Sky Sports last month. “That is a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands.”
The latest remarks from Alexander-Arnold may raise some eyebrows among Liverpool fans as he stated, “I want to be a Liverpool player this season [as a minimum] is what I will say.”
Harbouring dreams of leadership, the Liverpool ace has not been shy about his aspirations. In 2019, he conveyed: “I am fortunate to have the people around me who understand the balance between letting me get comfortable, praising me too much and feeding that hunger that needs to be there.
“In terms of wanting to strive to be better, wanting to be one of the best players in the world, the best right back in the world, being the first name on the team-sheet, wanting to be Liverpool captain, wanting to be England captain.”
The honour of captaining Liverpool came for Alexander-Arnold in a Champions League clash against Midtjylland in December 2020, an experience he labelled “special”. His appointment as vice-captain last summer was considered another stepping stone leading towards becoming the permanent skipper.
Alexander-Arnold has repeatedly expressed a desire to be a lifelong member of Liverpool. He told The Times in a passionate declaration back in 2018: “There is nowhere else I’d rather be than Liverpool. Somewhere I want to stay for the rest of my career is Liverpool.
“It’s what I’ve always dreamed of. Liverpool are special. It’s completely down to the fans. Whether we are winning or losing we always have their love.”
Alexander-Arnold spoke as well of his ambitions to snag trophies with his home club.
Alexander-Arnold has already donned the Liverpool captain’s armband on occasion. (Image: Getty Images)
“Trophies are the most important thing, to be honest,” Alexander-Arnold confessed last month when questioned about his future at Liverpool. This is perhaps the most open he has been about his plans.
“I want to win trophies. I’m a player who is driven by success and the desire to be elite. That’s probably the main factor – having an elite mentality, wanting to win and doing whatever it takes to achieve that. That’s what motivates me.”
During the recent international break, Alexander-Arnold reiterated this sentiment.”I’ve entered the prime of my career,” he told ITV. “I don’t want to be remembered as a player who only won trophies in his youth.”
On the topic of Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold has remained largely silent. Reports suggested that he was adamant that contract negotiations would not become public due to his deep respect for Liverpool.
However, he has spoken about his growing friendship with Jude Bellingham, which could potentially concern Liverpool supporters. Just a year ago, there were hopes that Alexander-Arnold might persuade the midfielder to join him at Anfield.
Their bond has since strengthened significantly.
In a recent interview with The Overlap, Alexander-Arnold revealed his closest friends in football. “I would say club, Robbo, internationals probably Jude,” he shared.
Interestingly, Alexander-Arnold has previously expressed a fondness for Barcelona over Real Madrid. Speaking to GQ in 2020, he said: “I’d say my favourite other team would be Barca.
“I feel as though they’ve got kind of the same values and beliefs as Liverpool, they like to bring players through the academy. I grew up watching Messi and that special Barcelona team, with Iniesta, Xavi, Henry, Eto’o.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1963356/Liverpool-news-Trent-Alexander-Arnold-Real-Madrid