Trent Alexander-Arnold has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, with the Liverpool defender seemingly destined to join Los Blancos next summer.
The England international’s contract is due to expire at the end of this season, with Madrid reportedly confident that Alexander-Arnold will join as a free-agent having been in discussions with the 26-year-old right-back for some time.
With Liverpool eyeing Jeremie Frimpong as an Alexander-Arnold replacement, there’s a real chance that next season could see the Reds have a new player in the right-sided fullback position after eight years of the defensive superstar.
Yet there could be a twist in Madrid’s plan to sign Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid could promote Jesus Fortea over signing Alexander-Arnold
According to Marca, 17-year-old right-back Jesus Fortea is being viewed by those at Madrid as a potential long-term option in the defence, with the Spanish youth international in line to break into Carlo Ancelotti’s senior plans.
As per the report, Fortea making a name for himself in the first-team could see Madrid shelve their plans to sign a right-back in 2025, throwing away the proposed transfer of Alexander-Arnold and opening the door for Liverpool to work on a deal for the defender.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold from his girlfriend to net worth
Whilst Fortea making a name for himself at Madrid might not directly lead to Alexander-Arnold staying at Liverpool, the news is a welcome boost for the Reds, who will not want to lose their star defender and an academy graduate.
Yet with Madrid exploring different avenues for their right-back problems, Liverpool will be keeping an eye on Fortea’s career this year with great interest, with the defender seemingly ready to explode with Los Blancos.
Liverpool will be hoping for Fortea’s breakout at Madrid
Liverpool are a few months away from losing one of their best players and arguably the best right-back in the world in Alexander-Arnold, who this season under Arne Slot has been nothing short of spectacular.
Yet if Fortea breaks into Madrid’s senior team, there’s a good chance that Los Blancos could opt to use the teenage defender rather than breaking the bank to sign Alexander-Arnold next summer.
Indeed, such a move would be huge for Liverpool, who could then gain the confidence needed to finally sign Alexander-Arnold to a new contract after months of trying and failing with the 26-year-old.
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