Why Liverpool Must Keep Alexander-Arnold Despite Real Madrid Interest | OneFootball

Liverpool Should Keep Trent Alexander-Arnold for a Fairytale Finale, Says Paul Merson

As the January transfer window looms, speculation over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool has intensified. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Real Madrid are reportedly positioning themselves to secure the right-back’s signature. However, football pundit Paul Merson believes that Liverpool must resist any mid-season offer from the Spanish giants and allow Alexander-Arnold to finish what could be a historic campaign at Anfield.

Merson’s Plea to Liverpool

Paul Merson has made a compelling case for Liverpool to keep Alexander-Arnold until the end of the season, even if it means losing him on a free transfer in the summer. Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson expressed disbelief at reports suggesting Liverpool might accept a fee of around £20 million in January.

“Oh, I absolutely got to keep him. For 20 million, I think I read about 20 million pounds. Twenty million pounds in football terms is a cup of tea,” Merson said.

Photo: IMAGO

Given the importance of Alexander-Arnold to Liverpool’s style of play and the unique bond he shares with the club’s fans, Merson argued that any financial gain from a January sale would be insignificant compared to the emotional and sporting value of keeping him for the rest of the season.

Real Madrid’s Growing Interest

It’s no secret that Real Madrid have long admired Alexander-Arnold. The 26-year-old has already achieved incredible success with Liverpool, winning the Premier League, Champions League, and several other major honours. His best friend in the England squad, Jude Bellingham, is thriving at the Bernabeu, which could further entice the defender to make the switch to Spain.

Reports suggest that Real Madrid are leading the race to sign Alexander-Arnold as a free agent in the summer. However, Merson believes Liverpool should focus on the present rather than the future.

“I think we have to enjoy him. And I think surely he won’t want to go to Real Madrid at this time. Liverpool got an unbelievable opportunity of winning the Premier League,” Merson added.

Importance of a Full Anfield Celebration

One of the key points Merson raised was the importance of Liverpool winning the Premier League in front of their fans. The last time Liverpool lifted the league trophy, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, with no fans present at Anfield to witness the historic moment.

“The last time they won that, it was in lockdown. And it wasn’t the same. The Kop wasn’t forward. Anfield wasn’t forward. For them to have to pick the trophy up with no one there was a shame, really,” Merson explained.

Photo: IMAGO

With Liverpool currently leading the Premier League table and progressing well in the Champions League, Alexander-Arnold could play a crucial role in delivering another title — this time with a packed Anfield celebrating in full voice.

Likely Move to Madrid

While Merson hopes Liverpool can retain Alexander-Arnold for the remainder of the season, he is resigned to the fact that the right-back will likely end up at Real Madrid in the summer.

“Oh, he’ll be at Real Madrid. Oh, 100%. Yeah, I can’t see anything but Real Madrid,” Merson said. “Real Madrid, as I say, very rarely don’t get who they want. And very, very, very rarely people turn Real Madrid down.”

Merson also highlighted the financial implications of Alexander-Arnold running down his contract. “The amount of money he’d have lost over the last year and a half, where if he’d have signed a new contract, it’d have been on a lot more money. I think he’s got to the stage now where 100% he’ll go.”