The figure Real Madrid are willing to pay for Trent Alexander-Arnold…and it’s less than you think
Real Madrid have set a maximum price they are willing to pay for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January.
The European champions have already seen an initial inquiry rejected by Liverpool for the right-back, but are expected to return during the remainder of the transfer window in an attempt to lure him away from Anfield.
Leading Spanish daily AS, who have close links to the club, suggest Madrid will go as high as €15m (£12.4m) but, if that bid is also rejected, they will wait until the summer when the England international is available for free transfer.
That figure is highly unlikely to convince Liverpool to part with Alexander-Arnold given his importance to a team that is still challenging on four fronts this season – Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League.
If the player stays on Merseyside beyond January, it will also give the club more time to discuss a contract extension, although the smart money remains on Alexander-Arnold joining Madrid at the end of the season.
A trio of departures could unsettle Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold is not the only Liverpool player whose contract expires in June. Both Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk have yet to agree new contracts, meaning all three could leave in the summer.
Uncertainty surrounding the future of the influential trio has threatened to overshadow what has so far been a very impressive start for new manager Arne Slott at Liverpool.
Speaking in December, Alexander-Arnold said no contract talks would be played out in public.
“I’ve been at the club for 20 years,” he said. “I’ve signed four or five contract extensions and none of them have been made public – and this one won’t be either.”
Liverpool have FOUR!
Trent Alexander-Arnold hits from a distance and Max Kilman deflects the ball into the goal 💫 pic.twitter.com/D5jeJeYMhL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 29, 2024
Slot satisfied with Alexander-Arnold
However, after scoring in Liverpool’s 5-0 win against West Ham on Saturday, the 26-year-old celebrated with a chirping hand gesture, seemingly amid intense speculation over his future.
Asked about the celebration, Slott said: “No, I don’t think it’s negative at all. He plays very well, he scored a great goal, and the way he celebrated the goal probably tells you enough. I don’t think I need to say much more about it.
“I’m really happy with Trent, as I am with Mo [Salah] and Virgil. So it makes no difference to me.
“In terms of the outside world, maybe there’s a bit more stuff going on around Trent in the media than the other two, but right now I’m happy with all three.”
