Premier League
Alexander-Arnold in January... for $15 million
Real Madrid have started to build pressure in an attempt to convince Liverpool to sell before the February 3 deadline.
Real Madrid is keen to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold (26) in the winter transfer window, but they are determined to keep spending in check. Despite informal contact between them and Liverpool, the Spanish club’s reported initial offer of c.$10 million failed to resonate at Anfield. According to The Daily Telegraph, Liverpool have set a valuation closer to c.$25 million, a price Madrid are reluctant to meet.
Madrid’s Trent approach: patience and leverage
Real Madrid sees Alexander-Arnold as a valuable addition to bolster their squad for a grueling season but not as an urgent necessity. Their strategy is to increase their offer to around €15 million, but they are prepared to wait until summer if Liverpool doesn’t accept a deal closer to their terms.
The club is banking on their strong negotiating position:
- Alexander-Arnold’s contract expires in June, allowing him to negotiate freely with other clubs.
- The player has reportedly signaled his willingness to join Madrid, tipping the scales in the Spanish club’s favor.
Madrid hopes that as the February 3 transfer deadline nears, Liverpool may feel more pressure to avoid losing Alexander-Arnold for free in the summer.
Champions League impact
Even if Madrid signs Alexander-Arnold this winter, UEFA regulations (Articles 30-32) would bar him from playing in the current Champions League group stage. This means he would miss key January fixtures against Salzburg (January 22) and Brest (January 29), giving Madrid some flexibility to delay the move.
In the meantime, Lucas Vázquez, as well as backup options like Fede Valverde and Asensio (recently tested in defensive roles), provide sufficient coverage. Madrid is confident they can avoid a “panic buy” scenario.
Liverpool under pressure
At Anfield, the Alexander-Arnold situation is becoming a hot topic. Every report, gesture, or action by the player is scrutinized, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding his future. News of Madrid’s initial offer, reported by The Times, has added tension during what had been a smooth season under Arne Slot in both domestic and European competitions.
The situation contrasts sharply with the optimism stirred by Alexander-Arnold’s recent celebration after scoring against West Ham. His “hand-to-ear” gesture, interpreted as dismissing media speculation, offered hope to Liverpool fans but also showcased the polarizing style of his goal celebrations, which often spark debate.
Perfect Fit for Madrid
Real Madrid sees Alexander-Arnold as an ideal addition, both tactically and strategically:
- He would seamlessly integrate into their squad, which currently has roster slots available in both LaLiga and the Champions League.
- Financially, Madrid’s fair play compliance ensures no hurdles in registering him.
- The presence of Jude Bellingham, a close friend of Alexander-Arnold from their time with the English national team, provides a strong foundation for his adaptation.
Moreover, Carlo and Davide Ancelotti’s experience with British players during their stints at Chelsea and Everton adds another layer of confidence to the potential move.
For Madrid, Alexander-Arnold’s arrival this winter would clearly be a valuable asset, but the club is determined to avoid overspending. While they may raise their offer slightly, they are content to wait until the summer if Liverpool hold firm on their valuation. Trent’s potential move to Madrid appears inevitable, whether it happens now or at the end of the season. But nothing is guaranteed yet...
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