Anfield Index
·6 febbraio 2025
Anfield Index
·6 febbraio 2025
Liverpool’s fight to keep Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield is entering its final stages. With the right-back’s contract set to expire in June, reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid are closing in on his signature. Yet, despite being financially outmatched, Liverpool are determined to use the emotional pull of his boyhood club to persuade him to stay.
According to AS, Liverpool hope that the connection between Alexander-Arnold and Anfield “softens him up and makes him change his mind” at the end of what could be a historic campaign. It may be their last throw of the dice, but with the Reds competing for major honours this season, they remain hopeful that success on the pitch can shift the 26-year-old’s thinking.
Photo: IMAGO
The links between Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid have been relentless. Reports suggest that the Spanish giants made multiple offers in January, all of which were rejected. However, AS claims that a deal for the summer is now “90% done,” with only the defender’s signature missing.
Liverpool have already exhausted their financial options. Unable to match Madrid’s wage offer, the club is instead relying on sentiment. Alexander-Arnold is more than just another player—he is a Liverpool academy graduate, a local lad whose journey from fan to first-team star has been nothing short of remarkable.
Born and raised on Merseyside, he used to peer through the cracks in the walls of Liverpool’s old training ground, dreaming of one day wearing the shirt. In 2005, he watched from the streets as Liverpool’s Champions League parade passed his home. Fourteen years later, he was part of the team celebrating another European triumph.
If this is to be Alexander-Arnold’s final season at Liverpool, he is intent on making it a memorable one. The Reds sit top of both the Premier League and their Champions League group, with a squad close to full strength as they push for more silverware.
Having already won every major trophy available by the age of 23, Alexander-Arnold has spoken of his desire to win the Ballon d’Or. History suggests that Real Madrid, rather than Liverpool, may provide the best platform for such individual recognition. The Spanish club boasts eight Ballon d’Or winners in its history—Liverpool has just one, Michael Owen in 2001.
Photo: IMAGO
If the right-back is prioritising individual accolades, a move to Madrid may be the logical step. But Liverpool are banking on something more than logic. They are hoping that Anfield, the club’s passionate support, and the weight of his own history will be enough to convince him that his future remains on Merseyside.
Alexander-Arnold has a career-defining choice ahead. He could follow in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard and dedicate his prime years to Liverpool, or he could seek new challenges abroad. The lure of Madrid is strong, but Liverpool are determined to make him think twice.
Ultimately, his decision will shape not only his own legacy but also Liverpool’s future. Should he leave, replacing a player of his technical brilliance and leadership will be no easy task. For now, Liverpool can only hope that the emotional bond they share with their vice-captain proves stronger than the riches and prestige on offer in Madrid.