It’s been eight years since Alexander-Arnold made his Liverpool debut.
Should I stay or should I go?
It’s the question Liverpool’s omnipotent full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has likely been mulling over ever since his contract with the Reds started to run down. Presently, the 26-year-old has just over eight months left on his deal and, once January comes, can enter conversations with suitors over a transfer away from his boyhood club.
That he and Liverpool haven’t made a breakthrough—publicly, anyway—regarding an extension raises doubts about his future at Anfield. Meanwhile, the carrot dangling before Alexander-Arnold’s eyes is Real Madrid, circling with its 15 Champions Leagues and celebrity status. And reportedly keen on him. In Spain, he could become an even more decorated star.
Alexander-Arnold is ambitious. Yes, so is every professional. But you can see, in his interviews and facial expressions during games, that he has a genuine itch to win. On international duty with England, he suggested that “giving everything from start to finish” is what he’ll judge his career by. Previously, when asked about his next steps, he commented, “The most important thing is always trophies. I want to win trophies.”
They are the words of a grafter and a winner—perfect for Real, where having a strong mentality is arguably paramount. His playing style is also an attraction. A pure soccer player not married to his position, Alexander-Arnold has a certain allure to his game—a passing range and shooting finesse that bring galáctico vibes. Add that Real veteran Dani Carvajal is out with a lengthy injury, and Lucas Vázquez, now 33, is the existing cover, and the case to swoop for the Liverpudlian is compelling.
Vázquez (right) is a solid understudy but only a temporary solution at right-back for Real Madrid.
Of course, these abilities have also taken Liverpool forward; under previous boss Jürgen Klopp’s tutelage, Alexander-Arnold was instrumental in helping the team win every coveted accolade. Assuming the Anfield side wants Trent along for the ride under Arne Slot, the hierarchy must convince him that Liverpool is en route to the same silverware. An upgraded salary, rivaling top earner Mohamed Salah, who is Forbes’ 38th highest-paid athlete and eighth in the soccer rankings, would go a long way, too.
Indeed, nothing less will suffice. At the peak of an impressive career, this could be Alexander-Arnold’s only chance to leave his comfort zone and join the most successful entity in the sport. And while this is probably a minor factor in his decision, he’s seen England colleague and friend Jude Bellingham excel since swapping Dortmund for Madrid in 2023. He doesn’t want any regrets when he approaches the twilight of his playing days.
Then again, staying and becoming an undeniable legend at Liverpool has its romance, too. Compared to Real, taking home the league title or Champions League is more of a rarity at Liverpool and twice as significant for a local hero. Steven Gerrard, arguably the Liverpool icon in the modern era, remained in his mid-20s when he was one of the craved midfielders on the market. And although he could have won more elsewhere, he captained the side to an extraordinary European Cup triumph in 2005. A future captain himself, such highlights should also appeal to Alexander Arnold.
A goalscoring asset and regular assist provider, he’s used to sprinkling his magic in the offensive half. Since Slot’s introduction, the system has involved the full-backs generally sitting deeper, from where Alexander-Arnold can still launch pin-point passes and pick moments to burst forward. Effectively nailed on to form part of the Slot project this term, Liverpool has those skills to call upon for now. His longer-term whereabouts should become clearer soon.
Read the full article here