Trent Alexander-Arnold is edging closer to joining Real Madrid, who look poised to sign him on a free transfer when his contract with boyhood club Liverpool expires this summer
Trent Alexander-Arnold has already told Liverpool who can step up and replace him at right-back following his impending move to Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold, 26, has reportedly agreed terms over a five-year contract worth more than £220,000 per week with the Spanish giants, who are poised to sign him on a free transfer on July 1.
Alexander-Arnold has been allowed to negotiate with other clubs outside of the UK since January, due to his deal at Liverpool expiring this summer. Real have wasted no time – even making an approach to sign him in January – and although Liverpool aren’t commenting on the reports, the LaLiga title holders appear to have reached an agreement with the England international.
The question for Liverpool is now who to replace him with. Alexander-Arnold has been Liverpool’s first-choice right-back since the 2017-18 season, shining under Jurgen Klopp before Arne Slot took over this term.
Slot’s arrival has coincided with the emergence of Conor Bradley, who’s been the first credible threat to Alexander-Arnold throughout his time in the first-team. Bradley, 21, has been hailed for all-action performances, including against Real in the Champions League earlier this season.
Alexander-Arnold can’t help but notice the Northern Irishman’s potential and suggested in October that Liverpool would be in safe hands without him. In a Sky Sports interview, Alexander-Arnold was asked to select the youngster who has the most potential out of Bradley, Ben Doak, Stefan Bajcetic or Harvey Elliott.
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“I like to speak to all these kind of lads, [Jarell] Quansah involved as well,” the 26-year-old replied. “But I speak mostly to Conor obviously, being in the same position. I’ve seen Stefan from young, how good he is and the potential he has. Harvey as well, incredible. I couldn’t believe how young he was when he had his birthday.
“Ben Doak, again really young. The future star – he’s (Elliott) injured so I’m gonna have to go with Conor. I like to play 90 minutes but I know how good he is and I trust in him to get the job done and to help the team win the game.”
Is Conor Bradley good enough to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section.
Slot agrees with Alexander-Arnold’s prediction, saying: “I think it’s going to be a bright future for him because he’s a very good player and very good players [are] what we need here at Liverpool. He’s done – last season especially – really well when he had to replace Trent, and now Trent has played a lot.
“But he is a very good player and although he has big competition from Trent, normally very good players find their way into the team. That’s what I also expect with him in the future at this club.”
Alexander-Arnold could be in for a frosty reception when Liverpool host bitter rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby next Wednesday. The Reds are currently 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
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