Liverpool Legend To Halt Real Madrid’s Pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold – Opinion | OneFootball

Can Xabi Alonso Halt the Madrid Pursuit of Trent?

There has been a long-held opinion held by Anfield Index podcaster and personality, Dave Hendrick, one that I am in complete agreement with. The Two Footed Podcast presenter was last summer reluctant to see the former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, return to Merseyside (in a managerial position) before undertaking a head coach role with another former employer, Real Madrid.

As the Bernabéu juggernaut continues to assemble the most frightening playing squad in recent times, this seasons inconsistent Galactico’s has prompted the infamous president, Florentino Pérez, to contact the current Bayer Leverkusen boss, Alonso, in his attempt to secure his services for next season.

Real’s current Italian manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is still performing his duties for the Spanish heavyweights, however, contingency plans are never slow in being formed by the club’s infamous overlord. At this stage where a regeneration is building towards a mighty group of assets, it is now almost inevitable that the former AC Milan manager will be replaced in the summer of 2025, by their former controlling entity, the 42-year-old management prodigy, Xabi Alonso.

Photo: IMAGO

In recent times, we have seen Liverpool and Real Madrid entangled within continual saga’s, ranging from prospective managers to highly sought after players. As this current international window drags on once more, there has been almost nonstop propaganda from varying Spanish outlets, as each media source desperately attempts to engineer the transfer of Trent Alexander Arnold away from his Anfield setting.

I have long expected that the homegrown vice-captain would eventually sign an extension (to his exiting deal), however, that is of course an opinion that holds little weight in the realms of elite level football. My underlying hope is that if an agreement were to be reached between Los Blancos and their next potential manager, it may create a scenario which would play a significant part in the future of Liverpool’s academy graduate, Trent Alexander Arnold.

How May Xabi Alonso Influence the Future Of TAA

I cannot imagine a world in which the former Bayern Munich midfielder, would not one day want to arrive on Merseyside as the new manager of his beloved former club. There are very few brilliant ex-players that have risen to a level, which allowed them to also manage this illustrious football club. Regarding those that did indeed reach a level that fell in line with the stature of the Merseyside giants, Kenny Dalglish and Graham Souness, stand as the modern-day legends that showed that capability to become boss of the reds, once their playing days had ended.

It is a very tricky situation when you consider that the 26-year-old fullback, TAA, could depart the club he supports on a Bosman free transfer next summer. This remains the reason why I believe the England international superstar will sign an extension, one that could still enable him to move to Madrid in the future.

Photo: IMAGO

Such a circumstance would thereby allow an agreed stipulation, where Liverpool could secure a significant fee that falls in line with his world-class talents. To appease the adoring fanbase of Liverpool will surely play a crucial factor in the final talks (for the man in question), as the player will surely want to remain in the good graces of those on the Kop.

In terms of how last season’s Bundesliga champion, Xabi Alonso, fits into this problematic situation, it would not surprise me if as part of his move to the reigning La Liga champions, he would not choose to antagonize a club such as Liverpool in the process. The exceptional young coach will one day wish to succeed either the current head coach, Arne Slot, or whomever takes over thereafter.

To imagine him arriving at LFC as a long-term successor (in the distant future) is a tantalizing thought, however, if he were to be attached to a deal that sees the reds losing their £150m rated vice-captain for free (in the same summer that he arrives at the 15-time European Champions), it may create a toxic reminder that scuppers his long-term status. The memories and grudges of a steadfast support can carry weight for decades, therefore, consideration in the Spaniards actions today will have to be considered by the former star, well ahead of time.

How Does This All Play Out?

First and foremost, I am a Liverpool supporter that only wishes to see the best players attracted and retained by the six-time European Champions. I will often look for any opportunity that creates optimism for my football club, even if such a thought process verges on a conspiracy theory. Regardless of anyone’s opinion, both the Anfield club and their 33-cap England international have some huge decisions to make within a raft of negotiations.

With only a month and a half to go until the player can negotiate with potential suitors, the clock is ticking For the Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards, as well as his new Sporting Director, Richard Hughes. With Christmas on Horizon and a plethora of games upcoming, the fanbase could be in line for either the biggest or the most disappointing Christmas present imaginable.