The 26-year-old, a product of Liverpool’s academy and a key figure in their recent successes, including the 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League titles, has been at the center of intense speculation for months. Real Madrid’s interest in the England international has only intensified, with the Spanish giants reportedly growing increasingly confident of securing his signature on a free transfer this summer, a move that could see Alexander-Arnold don the iconic white jersey at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.
The latest updates paint a grim picture for Liverpool supporters. Sources close to the club, as reported by ESPN on April 4, confirm that no progress has been made in talks to extend Alexander-Arnold’s contract, despite earlier hopes that he might commit his future to Anfield.
His teammate Andy Robertson, speaking to ESPN, admitted, “No one knows” what the future holds for Alexander-Arnold, emphasizing that the player’s immediate focus is on recovering from a recent ankle injury rather than his contract situation.
However, Robertson’s comments do little to quell the growing unease among the fanbase, especially with the Merseyside derby against Everton looming on April 9, 2025—a match Alexander-Arnold is expected to miss due to his injury. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League, face a crucial stretch in their title campaign, and the uncertainty surrounding one of their key players threatens to cast a shadow over their preparations.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alexander-Arnold has been well-documented. The La Liga side has been linked with the defender since late 2024, with reports from Marca and ESPN indicating that they’ve been in contact with his camp since December. Madrid’s interest stems from their need for a long-term replacement at right-back, with Dani Carvajal, now in his mid-30s, struggling with injuries.
The Spanish club sees Alexander-Arnold not just as a defender but as a versatile midfielder who can enhance their build-up play and set-piece execution, especially following the departure of Toni Kroos last year. A source told ESPN on March 26 that Madrid are “very optimistic” about signing him on a free transfer, though no deal has been finalized.
Posts on X from late March, such as those by @FabrizioRomano, claimed that Madrid had already sent a contract offer, with an agreement expected soon, though these remain unconfirmed by official channels.
The lack of progress in negotiations has sparked frustration among fans and pundits alike. Paul Merson, speaking to the Daily Mail on April 2, called Liverpool’s handling of the situation “criminal,” arguing that allowing the contracts of Alexander-Arnold, alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, to run down to their final months is a failure of management.
The Athletic reported on April 3 that Liverpool supporters are deeply disappointed, with some expressing anger through symbolic acts like burning Alexander-Arnold’s shirt, as seen in posts on X.
However, others, like Wayne Rooney in a BBC Sport column on March 31, have shown empathy, noting that the allure of a club like Real Madrid is hard to resist: “If Trent Alexander-Arnold does join Real Madrid this summer, fair play to him.”
Liverpool’s decision not to cash in on Alexander-Arnold in January, despite Madrid’s interest, reflects their prioritization of short-term success over long-term financial gain.
The Mirror reported on April 3 that the club turned down a potential £20 million fee, opting to keep him for their quadruple chase—a gamble that now risks backfiring as his departure looms without any transfer fee.
The situation is further complicated by a FIFA tweak to transfer rules, noted by Sky Sports on March 26, which could allow Madrid to negotiate an early release for Alexander-Arnold to participate in the Club World Cup in June, potentially netting Liverpool a small payout if they agree.
For now, the focus at Anfield remains on the pitch, with manager Arne Slot maintaining a pragmatic stance. On April 1, Sky Sports quoted Slot as saying, “The outside world does not know what is going to happen,” emphasizing that internal discussions about Alexander-Arnold’s future are minimal while he recovers. Yet, the looming derby and the broader context of Liverpool’s season add pressure to resolve the saga swiftly.
Fans are left in limbo, torn between hoping for a last-minute breakthrough and bracing for the departure of a homegrown hero whose legacy, as ESPN pondered on March 26, risks being tainted by this prolonged uncertainty. As the summer approaches, Alexander-Arnold’s next move will likely define not just his career but also Liverpool’s trajectory in the post-Klopp era.
