Real Madrid is making significant progress in discussions to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold when his contract at Anfield expires at the end of June.
Should the deal go through, it would mark the end of a 21-year association between Alexander-Arnold and his boyhood club, where he is set to reach a milestone 350th appearance against Everton on April 2.
While there is optimism surrounding the negotiations, Sky Sports report that key details remain unresolved, meaning there is still no certainty that the right-back will be wearing the white of Real Madrid next season despite rumours of a five-year contract being accepted.
Real Madrid have been monitoring Alexander-Arnold for nearly two years, formulating a proposal to entice him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 25-year-old has declined an extended and improved contract from Liverpool, signaling his intent to move on from the Merseyside club when his current deal expires this summer.
Under existing transfer regulations, clubs outside England have been able to negotiate directly with the player since January. If the transfer materialises, Alexander-Arnold will join fellow England international Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capital.
Though Real Madrid have identified Alexander-Arnold as their primary transfer target for the summer, negotiations remain complicated.
Being a free agent adds layers of complexity, as factors such as signing-on fees, image rights, and performance-based bonuses must be addressed.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid, closer and closer after story revealed 1 year ago.
The official contract proposal from Real has been sent to TAA and his camp.
Discussions underway on details of the deal; all parties involved CONFIDENT to get the agreement done. pic.twitter.com/jlXHEzP2MX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 25, 2025
During his time at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has etched his name into the club’s history books.
He recently set the Premier League record for most assists by a defender, surpassing team-mate Andy Robertson with his 60th and 61st assists during a 3-3 draw against Newcastle earlier this season.
If he departs Anfield, he will do so as one of the club’s most successful modern players, having won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup.
If the move to Real Madrid is finalized, Alexander-Arnold will follow in the footsteps of Liverpool academy graduates Steve McManaman and Michael Owen, who both previously joined Los Blancos.
However, former Liverpool defender and club legend Jamie Carragher has cautioned that the manner of Alexander-Arnold’s departure could impact how he is remembered by Reds fans.
“It’s more than a football decision,” Carragher told Sky Sports. It’s about his legacy at Liverpool and how he is seen. Do you want to be seen like [Steven] Gerrard or [Steve] McManaman?
“He went to Real Madrid and won cups but he is not adored.
“As a local player, Trent has been there 20 years. I don’t think it would be nice to have a feeling of leaving on a free. I guarantee Liverpool supporters will feel that way.
“Things are expected of you as a local player. I think to leave Liverpool is difficult as a local player.
“I wanted to leave in the right way so they remembered me in the right way.
“If he stays, he will be remembered as one of the best to play for the club and not far behind Gerrard.”
