Liverpool are set to make a last-ditch effort to keep Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield, drawing on his deep emotional ties to the club in a final attempt to prevent him from joining Real Madrid this summer, according to reports from Spain.
The 26-year-old right-back is out of contract in June, fuelling persistent links to the Spanish giants.
Madrid reportedly made multiple bids for him in January, all of which were rejected.
While reports suggest Alexander-Arnold has already agreed to a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, Liverpool have not given up hope.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Liverpool have exhausted their financial options and now hope that the emotional significance of playing for his boyhood club will sway his decision.
The Reds believe that Anfield’s atmosphere and the prospect of ending the season with silverware could “soften him up and make him change his mind.”
Liverpool are currently in contention for major honors, sitting atop both the Premier League and their Champions League group with an almost fully fit squad.
Alexander-Arnold has already been presented with the specifics of his potential Real Madrid contract, including salary and duration, with reports claiming the deal is “90% done” and awaiting only his signature.
Born and raised in Merseyside, Alexander-Arnold grew up near Liverpool’s former training ground, where he once peeked through cracks in the walls to catch glimpses of his heroes.
The club’s iconic open-top bus parade following their 2005 Champions League triumph even passed his childhood home.
By 2019, he was on the other side of the celebrations, having won every major trophy with Liverpool by the age of 23.
However, one ambition remains: winning the Ballon d’Or. Only one Liverpool player – Michael Owen – has ever claimed the prestigious award, while Real Madrid have produced a record eight different winners.
Liverpool will be hoping that the allure of adding to his legacy at Anfield outweighs the prospect of following in the footsteps of Madrid’s legends.
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