Liverpool 'already know' Trent Alexander-Arnold decision as Real Madrid hatch new plan

Real Madrid are reportedly feeling confident of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2025, having been given assurances over the Liverpool vice-captain's plans for the future

Real Madrid are reportedly plotting a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January because they are confident the England star won’t sign a new contract at Liverpool.

Like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, Alexander-Arnold’s current deal with Liverpool is due to expire at the end of June and his future has been the subject of much speculation. Real Madrid are long-term admirers of the Liverpool vice-captain and their interest has increased after Dani Carvajal suffered a serious knee injury.

Real want to sign a right-back in the January transfer window, with Lucas Vasquez their only senior option in the position at present. Alexander-Arnold tops their shortlist ahead of Tottenham star Pedro Porro, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Sevilla's 21-year-old Spain youth international Juanlu.

The presence of Alexander-Arnold’s close friend Jude Bellingham in Madrid could be helpful for Los Blancos as they try to lure him. And now Marca report that Liverpool ‘already know’ Alexander-Arnold will not sign a new contract.

If that is the case then Liverpool will have a big decision to make in the January transfer window. They could decide to sell him mid-season, or lose him for nothing in the summer when his contract expires.

The Reds have taken a very relaxed approach to the situation around their three star players, Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold. Arne Slot has dead-batted questions around their futures and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes summed up the club’s position in July.

“Contractual situations, I don’t think it would be fair for me to talk about,” he said. “These are private matters between club and players. The only concern I have, that Arne has, about those situations and everyone else in the squad is that there is total commitment from the players to the cause for next season – and we are absolutely convinced that is the case.”

Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has remained coy when discussing his long-term future. "I have always said I want to captain the club, that is an aim of mine and a goal of mine, (but) whether that happens is out of my hands," he said in September.

"Look, I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public. And this one won't be either. I want to be a Liverpool player this season (as a minimum) is what I will say.

"The most important thing is always trophies, if I am honest. "I want to win trophies, I am a player who is highly motivated by trophies and winning things and being elite. So that is probably the main factor of anything, if you have a personality that is elite, who wants to win and will do anything to win, then that is what drives me."

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.