Latest developments
- Real Madrid want to make Trent Alexander-Arnold (‘Trent') their next star signing.
- Liverpool are determined to hold onto all first-team players in January.
- Bringing in the England man “a matter of maximum urgency” for Los Blancos.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): Reliable source in Spain adds fuel to fire
A potential move to the Spanish capital for Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold has been part of the rumour mill for some time, but recent poor results amidst an injury crisis have forced Real Madrid to act swiftly, according to leading Spanish newspaper Marca.
With Dani Carvajal one of many long-term absentees, Carlo Ancelotti wants to bring the Englishman to Madrid in January. However, Football Insider are today claiming that Liverpool will not entertain mid-season moves for any first-team players, including Trent, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo.
Value (3.5/5): Liverpool's asking price will be high despite no contract renewal
If Liverpool's stance is to be believed, then it will take a sizeable transfer fee to get the Reds to the negotiating table. This will probably be something close to his current value of €70m (£58.2m), according to Transfermarkt.
In ordinary circumstances, that would be cause for Los Merengues to wait until the summer to bring in the 26-year-old, but with Lucas Vazquez their only recognised right back at the club, they might be forced to meet Liverpool's asking price.
Suitability (5/5): Right-back can operate to potential in 4-4-2
The best position in which to use Trent has been the subject of debate for years, despite him always putting in his best performances from right back.
This season, Carlo Ancelotti has switched to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation to incorporate Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior up front. This could be great news for Trent, as Real Madrid will require him to play in a traditional full back role, rather than as a wing back, winger, or somewhere in the middle, while still having the freedom to bomb forward.
Upgrade? (4.5/5): Ready to fill a problem position
There can be no denying that 2023/24 is up there amongst the best seasons of Carvajal's career, but by the time he has returned to fitness from a cruciate ligament tear next year, he will be 33. It remains to be seen if he will be able to hit the same heights again.
Vazquez is a solid option, but Trent is a class above the Spaniard in the eyes of many, with enough years ahead of him to still improve further.
Logic (3/5): Leaving boyhood club has its risks
Merseyside-born Trent has been at Liverpool since joining the youth ranks as a six-year-old, and moving away from those familiar surroundings will undoubtedly pose its challenges.
However, having been in no hurry to commit his future at Anfield, from the outside it seems Trent agrees that now is the time for a new challenge, even if he risks spoiling his legacy at Liverpool.
Whisper+ final verdict – 20/25
The Reds playing hard to get could make this transfer saga run on to at least the final few days in January, but with many players lining up outside the physio's door at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real might have to pay a little more than they had first hoped.
Are Liverpool right to block a potential move? They may still have ambitions of Trent signing a new deal, but with little sign of that happening, it would surely make more sense for them to cash in in January rather than let him go for free in the summer!
It may be tough letting “one of their own” move on, but with Real Madrid's predicament, they should put business first.
