Liverpool Amid Major Speculation: Souness Hints at Alexander-Arnold Moving to Real Madrid.
Graeme Souness believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold has already made up his mind about his future. The 25-year-old defender is facing an uncertain situation at Liverpool, as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
When the January transfer window opens, foreign clubs will be able to start pre-contract negotiations for a potential free transfer in the summer—unless he signs a new deal with Liverpool before then. If Alexander-Arnold doesn’t commit to a long-term contract, Liverpool will have to make a tough decision.
The club must decide whether to risk losing him for free if negotiations drag on, or sell him during the January transfer window to avoid that risk. The England international has been briefly linked with Real Madrid in the past, and his friendship with Jude Bellingham has only fueled these rumors.
Souness has even hinted that a decision may have already been made. Speaking on the Up Front podcast with Simon Jordan, the Liverpool legend suggested that Arne Slot has been giving Conor Bradley playing time because he is aware Alexander-Arnold will leave.
“I think—and this is just my guess—he’s friends with Bellingham, and he would be a perfect fit for Real Madrid,” Souness said. “He could end up there. I think that message might have been passed on to Liverpool.”
Souness pointed out that Bradley has been introduced in recent matches, implying this could be part of Liverpool’s forward planning. “Maybe Alexander-Arnold has made his decision, and that has been communicated to the club. Slot is giving Bradley opportunities and taking a good look at him.”
Back in 2018, Alexander-Arnold told The Times that he wanted to stay at Liverpool for his entire career. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” he said. “Liverpool is where I’ve always dreamed of staying for the rest of my career. The club is special, thanks to the fans. Whether we’re winning or losing, they always support us.”
Although Alexander-Arnold has only worn the captain’s armband a few times, with Jordan Henderson and Virgil van Dijk usually taking on the role, his ambition to lead the team remains clear.