Liverpool turned down Real Madrid’s approach for Trent Alexander-Arnold, with his contract expiring in the summer

Liverpool have firmly rejected Real Madrid’s bid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in the January transfer window, despite the full-back’s contract set to expire at the end of the current season. The 26-year-old defender is eligible to sign a pre-contract deal from January 1, with Madrid long rumoured to be his eventual destination. However, their attempt to speed up the process by negotiating a move in January was swiftly rebuffed by Liverpool’s hierarchy.

Real Madrid’s plan to bring in the England international as a potential replacement for veteran Dani Carvajal, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a knee ligament injury, was derailed before any financial discussions could take place. Liverpool has made it clear that they are unwilling to part with Alexander-Arnold mid-season, continuing talks with the player’s advisors in hopes of securing a new long-term deal, though there are no clear signs yet that he wishes to leave his boyhood club.

Alexander-Arnold’s situation is part of a broader contract dilemma at Liverpool, with the club still in negotiations with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk as well. While both players have publicly addressed ongoing discussions, Alexander-Arnold has remained tight-lipped about his future, leaving fans and pundits guessing.

Liverpool’s financial and sustainability constraints are a central issue. Selling Alexander-Arnold, a former youth-team player, in January would have freed up funds, representing pure profit for the club. However, the move to cash in on the full-back has been rejected, with Liverpool intent on keeping him for the remainder of the season, especially as they continue to push for a Premier League title.

Despite only adding one senior player—Federico Chiesa, who has struggled with injuries—during the summer, Liverpool’s form under manager Arne Slot has been impressive. With Alexander-Arnold a key figure in their title bid, the decision to reject Real Madrid’s approach is seen as crucial to their ambitions.

As the season progresses, Alexander-Arnold remains an integral part of Liverpool’s pursuit of a second Premier League title in four years. Should he leave in the summer, it would mark the end of his long tenure at the club, where he has already secured a Champions League title and a Premier League trophy.

Former Liverpool players, including Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen, have weighed in on the situation. Carragher expressed that Liverpool’s primary focus should be winning the Premier League, noting that the ongoing contract discussions should not distract from that goal. Owen, on the other hand, hinted that Real Madrid’s public approach indicates a future deal could be on the cards, with secret talks likely already underway.

With Liverpool’s title hopes still alive and Alexander-Arnold’s future uncertain, all eyes will be on how the situation unfolds in the coming months.