Football analyst Jamie Carragher has indicated that Liverpool’s right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, might be heading to Real Madrid. With the defender in the last year of his Anfield contract, rumors linking him to the Spanish club have been persistent.
Alexander-Arnold played a crucial role in Liverpool’s recent equalizer against Arsenal, but his ambitions appear to reach beyond the Premier League. He has openly stated his desire to win the Ballon d’Or, which Carragher believes would be more feasible at a club like Real Madrid. “My first thought was that you won’t win the Ballon d’Or as a right-back for Liverpool. The award typically goes to players from Real Madrid or Barcelona—those are where the best players tend to be,” Carragher remarked to Sky Sports.
Carragher found it peculiar that Alexander-Arnold seems to prioritize the Ballon d’Or over collective achievements like the Champions League or the World Cup. “It’s a bit odd to choose that over the Champions League or World Cup, given that it’s a team sport,” he said. “But he has big ambitions—and why not? You only have one career. He’s an exceptional talent, a truly outstanding full-back.”
While Carragher believes players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are likely to remain at Liverpool, he is less hopeful about Alexander-Arnold’s future. He thinks that if contract negotiations drag on, the chances of the right-back moving to Real Madrid increase. “Fans will be frustrated if this situation persists and he doesn’t sign a new deal,” Carragher noted.
Alexander-Arnold has been a key player for Liverpool, particularly under former manager Jürgen Klopp, and has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world. His attacking skills and versatility have significantly benefited the team over the years.
Interest in Alexander-Arnold isn’t limited to Real Madrid; clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also reportedly monitoring him. However, Real Madrid may have a slight edge due to the presence of Alexander-Arnold’s close friend, Jude Bellingham, and the club’s consistent pursuit of the Champions League title.
With uncertainties surrounding Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s futures, Liverpool’s management may be particularly worried about Alexander-Arnold’s situation. At just 25, he has many years ahead at the highest level, making it challenging to find a suitable replacement in the transfer market.
