Real Madrid eye January move for Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has less than one-year left on his remaining contract
Real Madrid have identified Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold as a priority target in their search for a right-back, according to The Athletic.
The Spanish club are also exploring alternative options, including Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, and Sevilla’s Juanlu.
Sources familiar with Madrid’s recruitment plans – who requested anonymity to protect their positions – indicate that these players have been pinpointed to bolster the right-back position, with Alexander-Arnold being the top choice.
However, pursuing the Liverpool defender hinges on whether he allows his contract to run down.
Currently, Alexander-Arnold’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire in June 2025, and starting in January, he will be free to negotiate a transfer with other clubs.
While discussions regarding a contract renewal at Anfield are ongoing, the 26-year-old addressed questions about his future during England duty last week, stating to ITV: “I’ve entered the prime of my career right now and I don’t want to be the player who only won trophies when he was young.”
Real Madrid are looking to bolster their defence, with the likelihood of a signing at centre-back increasing as the January transfer window approaches.
One prominent option being considered is former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, currently contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr until 2026.
Now 30, Laporte remains a regular member of the Spanish national team and played a crucial role in their successful European Championship campaign this summer.
However, as of now, no formal moves have been made for Laporte.
The defending La Liga champions are also tracking other potential targets, including 18-year-old Brazilian Vitor Reis from Palmeiras, who has attracted interest from Arsenal, and 21-year-old French international Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig.
Despite initial hesitations, Real Madrid is now keen to be active in the winter transfer window, particularly in light of their current injury problems.
Their last mid-season signing came in January 2019, when Brahim Diaz joined from Manchester City.
Recent discussions between the board and head coach Carlo Ancelotti have highlighted the need for reinforcements, especially since Ancelotti has been advocating for new signings since last January.
Dani Carvajal’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, coupled with delays in David Alaba’s recovery from his own ACL injury, has further shifted the club’s outlook on their winter strategy.
Carvajal, 32, is expected to be sidelined until next season after sustaining his injury earlier this month.
Similarly, Alaba, also 32, has been recovering from a knee injury sustained last December, and his return date has been repeatedly postponed.
Recent media reports in Spain have speculated about Alaba possibly considering retirement; however, sources close to the player have denied these claims. Other reports suggest that progress in his recovery has been slower than anticipated, raising concerns about when he will be ready to return to first-team training by the end of the year, as well as the level at which he will be able to compete.
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