Liverpool have made their stance abundantly clear: they have no intention of engaging in any negotiations with Real Madrid regarding the potential January transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The decision comes at a time when Real Madrid is grappling with a major setback, following a serious injury to their veteran right-back, Dani Carvajal.
Carvajal, who has been a stalwart for the Madrid defense for years, suffered a significant knee injury during Real Madrid’s recent La Liga victory over Villarreal.
The 32-year-old defender collided with Yeremy Pino late in the game, and after the match, he took to Instagram to reveal the extent of the damage. Carvajal confirmed that he had sustained a “serious cruciate ligament injury,” which is expected to keep him out of action for several months.
This development has forced Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, to urgently search for a replacement, as Carvajal’s long-term absence creates a gap in their defense. Although Ancelotti can count on Nacho Fernández, a seasoned player who can cover multiple positions, the severity of Carvajal’s injury has pushed Madrid to consider alternatives for the upcoming January transfer window.
One name at the top of their list is Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has consistently been among the Premier League’s top right-backs.
Alexander-Arnold’s situation has attracted attention, especially since he is in the final year of his contract with Liverpool. His versatility, attacking prowess, and experience in high-level competitions make him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who are keen to bolster their defense.
However, despite Madrid’s strong interest in the English international, Liverpool is determined not to let him leave, particularly in the middle of the season.
Reports indicate that Liverpool will reject any approach from Madrid in January, as they prioritize keeping their academy graduate at the club.
The Merseyside outfit is reportedly working on securing a new contract for Alexander-Arnold, which will reflect his importance to the team.
In order to retain him, Liverpool is prepared to offer a deal that not only aligns with the 25-year-old’s career ambitions but also improves his salary significantly. There is speculation that the new contract could bring Alexander-Arnold’s wages closer to those of the club’s top earner, Mohamed Salah, who earns a reported £350,000 per week.
Although Liverpool remains firm in their resolve to keep their star defender, Real Madrid’s growing need to replace Carvajal may lead to increased pressure as the January window approaches.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team will be eager to fill the void left by their injured right-back, and Alexander-Arnold fits the profile of the type of player they need. However, Liverpool’s refusal to entertain Madrid’s interest and their proactive efforts to secure Alexander-Arnold’s future suggest that any move will be highly unlikely.
As the situation unfolds, Liverpool manager Arne Slot will need to carefully manage both the negotiations for Alexander-Arnold’s new contract and any outside interest in his player.
For now, Liverpool’s priority remains clear: keep their homegrown talent and ward off any potential suitors, especially from Madrid. The focus for Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, will be on helping his club in their ongoing campaigns while discussions around his future continue behind the scenes.