Contract Chaos Continues at Anfield: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Future Hangs in the Balance
Liverpool’s homegrown star Trent Alexander-Arnold could be on the verge of a shock departure, as contract talks remain completely stalled just months before his deal expires in June 2025. As of April 6, there has been zero progress in negotiations, and Real Madrid’s interest remains real, if slightly cooled in recent days.
Despite missing the upcoming Merseyside derby on April 9 due to an ankle injury, the 26-year-old defender is at the heart of Liverpool’s off-field drama. Madrid see him as Carvajal’s long-term successor and a tactical asset to replace Toni Kroos’s creativity. Reports by ESPN and Marca suggest they’ve been quietly negotiating since December, and a free transfer to the Bernabéu this summer is still very much on the table.
Liverpool, who rejected a £20M offer from Madrid in January to keep him for their title push, now risk losing him for nothing. Fan reactions have ranged from frustration to fury, with shirt-burning videos surfacing online, while legends like Wayne Rooney have taken a softer stance, saying a Madrid move would be “fair play.”
Manager Arne Slot remains tight-lipped, but the silence around the club’s contract handling—particularly with Trent, Salah, and van Dijk all entering final months—has drawn sharp criticism. Paul Merson even branded it “criminal mismanagement.”
With a FIFA rule change potentially allowing Madrid to fast-track a Club World Cup appearance, this saga might wrap up sooner than expected. One thing’s certain: Alexander-Arnold’s decision will reshape the very core of Liverpool’s future—and fans are bracing for impact.
