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Jamie Carragher gives verdict on speculation surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid

The Reds academy graduate has just over six months remaining on his current contract

Jamie Carragher has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold that Liverpool fans will find it “hard to accept” if he joins Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer, given his homegrown status.

The Reds academy graduate has just over six months remaining on his current contract, meaning he will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs in January.

Real Madrid’s interest in the 26-year-old, particularly if he becomes available on a free transfer, has been widely reported.

While it remains to be seen whether Alexander-Arnold will commit his future to Liverpool, Carragher has referenced the departures of other homegrown stars in the past, including Steve McManaman, who also joined the Spanish giants on a free transfer.

Writing in The Telegraph, Jamie Carragher said: “As a local lad, you are always treated differently. We saw it with Steven Gerrard.

“Even contemplating leaving for Chelsea on two occasions in his career temporarily damaged his relationship with Liverpool fans. Was it fair? It was simply the reality with a passionate, tribal fanbase.

“My team-mate Michael Owen had one year left on his contract when he joined Real from Liverpool in 2004. He too was in a struggling Liverpool team with a new manager coming in – Rafael Benítez – and a good deal of uncertainty.

“Again Real paid only £8 million for a footballer who was worth much more.

“Michael’s time at Manchester United later in his career would have done more damage to his legacy but still – the terms of his departure to Real did not help.”

He added: “That is the biggest issue for Trent – the free transfer. As with Macca, the supporters will feel that the club are losing an £80million player for nothing, and they will not like it.

“My advice to Trent would be to sign a new deal, with a reasonable buyout clause, that will give the club some value if Real or anyone else decide to meet it.

“The fans’ attitude towards Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, both also out of contract in the summer, is not the same as it is for Trent.

“There are lots of reasons for that but a big part of that is the local-boy factor.

“The feeling is that playing for Liverpool should be the ultimate ambition for a Liverpool lad.

“It was that way for Macca, Michael, Stevie and myself and it will be the same for Trent and Curtis Jones.”

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