With the January transfer window set to open tomorrow, Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold’s name will continue to dominate the back pages.
The 26-year-old has made the headlines on and off the pitch this season and is set to enter a pivotal period that could shape his career.
There were reports that Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, but Liverpool sources have poured cold water over such claims.
But with less than six months left on his contract, he’ll be free to speak to Real Madrid – or other suitors – from tomorrow, so Liverpool are running out of time to tie him down to a new deal.
And David Ornstein has shared what he’s just heard about the Liverpool vice captain’s future amid interest from Real Madrid.
Latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool future
Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold is well-documented, but they could take it up a notch in the coming week as they would be allowed to hold talks with the England international and his representatives.
Last week, Marca published a massive story on their front page claiming Alexander-Arnold has given his word to Real Madrid, but Liverpool insiders quickly quashed all those claims and branded them as premature.
Ornstein believes the 26-year-old’s future very much hangs in the balance as he described January as a crucial month that could decide the saga once and for all.
“My information is nothing is decided yet, all options remain open and that’s largely because his camp have not been able to hold any formal negotiations [with Real Madrid] yet. They cannot do that until Jan 1st, but that is very soon.
“When that day arrives they can speak freely to clubs outside of England and they’re allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement. We don’t know whether or not Real Madrid will make an offer to sign him permanently.
“What we do know is Real Madrid want to sign him – they are extremely keen. It presents him with a massive decision to make.
“In the month of January, we should see some movement – a resolution of sorts because he’ll want to get this sorted sooner rather than later.”
Who can replace Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool?
The 26-year-old is one of a kind, so there isn’t a like-for-like replacement for him in world football.
Conor Bradley is already at the club and has shown over the last 18 months that he’s more than capable of holding his own in that position, so it remains to be seen if he gets a chance.
In terms of transfer alternatives, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has keen admirers at Anfield, although recent reports suggest Arne Slot wants a different mold of a player who is capable of flourishing in a flat-back four.
Liverpool’s priority, however, will be to renew Alexander-Arnold’s contract and tie him down for the long haul, so it remains to be seen how the saga transpires in the coming weeks.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
