Real Madrid “monitoring” Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold: how and when could they sign him on a free transfer?

Real Madrid look to be on the brink of signing Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer and it seems they are now hoping to pull off a similar deal for Liverpool right-back-cum-midfielder Trent Alexander-Arnold.

When does Alexander-Arnold’s contract at Liverpool expire?

According to Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the LaLiga giants are “monitoring” the 25-year-old’s contact situation at Anfield, where he only has a little over a year left to run on his current deal.

“Real Madrid are monitoring Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation at Liverpool,” reported Romano on X (formerly Twitter). “Current deal expires in June ‘25 with no talks underway as of now. Liverpool have not indicated any desire to sell at this stage. There’s no indication of player’s views so far.”

Alexander-Arnold has become a hugely important player for The Reds since breaking into the first team as a teenager in the 2016/17 season, which means it would be a huge surprise if the Premier League challengers were to allow him to leave, especially on a free transfer.

When could Real Madrid sign Alexander-Arnold as free agent?

If the England international doesn’t ultimately sign a new contract, Real Madrid would be able to sign him as a free agent in the summer of 2025. Los Blancos could also be in a strong position to sign him this summer for a reduced fee if Liverpool believe there is a chance they could lose him for nothing 12 months later.

Born in Liverpool and a lifelong fan of the club he joined at the age of just six, prising Alexander-Arnold away from what is already one of the world’s top teams would appear to be a tough task. But the 14-time European champions would likely offer the most appeal if the player decides to try his hand at something new.

According to the Premier League, Alexander-Arnold is the top-assisting defender in the history of the division, along with Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson. Both have set up 58 goals in the English top flight, which leaves them in joint 27th place in the all-time list for players of all positions.