Liverpool battling Barcelona for Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement who used to be a forward

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Liverpool’s summer transfer plans are beginning to come into focus as the final international break of the campaign takes hold.

The Reds certainly have plenty to do once the curtain comes down on Arne Slot’s first season in charge of the club.

One of the biggest tasks for Slot and the Liverpool recruitment team is how they replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

By now, it seems fairly clear that Alexander-Arnold is heading to Real Madrid. Indeed, Rousing The Kop have been informed that Liverpool are ‘privately accepting’ Trent’s impending exit.

As seen by how much he was missed during Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, replacing the Scouser is not going to be easy.

Liverpool have got to try, though, and according to the Spanish press they are set to go head-to-head with Barcelona for Feyenoord youngster Givairo Read.

Liverpool battle Barcelona for Givairo Read

There are several options open to Slot in terms of replacing Alexander-Arnold in the Liverpool squad.

He could go big on an expensive, clear successor a la Jeremie Frimpong perhaps, or the Dutchman could bring in a younger, more raw player to battle it out with Conor Bradley for a starting sport.

According to journalist Toni Juanmarti, Liverpool could well go down the latter route and target 18-year-old Read, who is also on Barcelona’s radar.

“Barca is increasingly keeping a close eye on Feyenoord full-back Givairo Read,” Juanmarti says on X.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano says ‘movements have started’ for one Liverpool deal this summer as Reds draw up striker list

“The winger fits the parameters (young, can play on both sides, low cost…)

“The player is already aware of the interest of some big clubs, including Liverpool (Alexander-Arnold is leaving).”

Who is Givairo Read?

Given some links already emerged to the burgeoning talent that is Read, we’ve put together a handy guide on the Feyenoord youngster.

While answering the question of who is Givairo Read, it became clear that the teenager is a very attack-minded full-back who used to play as a winger.

“Attacking is one of my greatest qualities, so I always try to bring that to the team,” the right back said via ESPN in September 2024.

“I used to be an attacker, so I owe my technique and quick footwork to that.”

Read was given his debut by Slot in the Europa League last season and has gone on to play 24 times for Feyenoord this term. His return of one goal and seven assists points to a player who is set for a career at the top of the game. Perhaps it will be at Liverpool.