Trent Alexander-Arnold is poised to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer after his Liverpool contract expires on June 30. The 26-year-old right-back rejected multiple contract renewal offers from the Reds, with negotiations spanning from October to January.
Liverpool turned down a £21 million bid from Real Madrid in December, when the Spanish club made a formal approach for the England international. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sought Alexander-Arnold as a replacement for Dani Carvajal, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury in October.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Real Madrid's offer was worth €25 million (£21 million), but Liverpool flatly rejected it. The Reds were unwilling to lose Alexander-Arnold mid-season while still competing for an unprecedented treble.
Liverpool are now resigned to losing the academy graduate, who will join the 15-time Champions League winners. Arne Slot is expected to address Alexander-Arnold's future publicly next Tuesday when he previews the Merseyside derby. The defender is currently injured and may miss the Everton match.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has defended Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave on a free transfer, stating: 'I'm not angry about him going on a free. In an ideal world, Liverpool would get £70m or £80m for him to reinvest, but you can't have it both ways as a supporter.' Carragher acknowledged the move may 'taint his legacy in some people's eyes' but expressed appreciation for Alexander-Arnold's contributions to the club.
