Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid: A Star Transfer in the Making?
Read about Trent Alexander-Arnold's impressive performances at Liverpool and how he could shape Real Madrid's future.
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid this summer, although an official confirmation is still pending. When questioned about his future after Liverpool's match against Leicester City, Alexander-Arnold skillfully sidestepped the topic. In the match, his impressive left-footed strike played a crucial role, bringing the Reds close to securing their second Premier League title in five years.
The potential title win would hold special significance, as it would be the first Liverpool can celebrate in front of their fans. This contrasts with their 2019/20 title win under Jurgen Klopp, which was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing the team from sharing the achievement with their supporters in the stadium.
🚨💣 Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid, closer and closer after story revealed 1 year ago.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 25, 2025
The official contract proposal from Real has been sent to TAA and his camp.
Discussions underway on details of the deal; all parties involved CONFIDENT to get the agreement done. pic.twitter.com/jlXHEzP2MX
A Perfect Farewell
A potential Premier League title win would be a fitting farewell for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should he leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summer. The image of Jordan Henderson lifting the trophy in an empty Anfield during the 2019/20 season is a poignant reminder of what a celebration in front of the fans would mean. A win against Tottenham on Sunday could spark a party atmosphere at Anfield, making it a memorable sendoff for Alexander-Arnold, who joined the club as a six-year-old in 2004.
If Alexander-Arnold makes the switch to Real Madrid, it would likely have significant implications for both clubs. At Liverpool, it could pave the way for Conor Bradley to claim the right-back position, given his promising talent and potential fit for the role. Other players like Joe Gomez and Jarrell Quansah have also shown versatility in the position, but Bradley's 21-year-old profile suggests he might be the most suitable replacement.
Conor Bradley's Opportunity
Trent Alexander-Arnold's potential departure to Real Madrid would open up a significant opportunity for Conor Bradley to step into the right-back role at Liverpool. Bradley has been largely sidelined in the past three seasons, with Alexander-Arnold's consistency keeping him out of the spotlight. The statistics reflect this, with Alexander-Arnold scoring 10 goals and providing 23 assists, compared to Bradley's single goal and eight assists.
Can Bradley Step Up?
While Bradley's shooting accuracy (61.5%) appears impressive compared to Alexander-Arnold's (33%), the sample size is skewed, with Bradley having taken far fewer shots (24 vs 138). If Arne Slot opts to promote Bradley instead of seeking an external replacement, it will be intriguing to see how he adapts to increased responsibility and whether he can match Alexander-Arnold's level of performance. Bradley's limited playing time (2,159 minutes) over the past three seasons leaves questions about his readiness, but he may soon have the chance to prove himself.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's exceptional passing ability, particularly in forward passing, sets him apart at Liverpool. While Virgil van Dijk leads in total passes (5,890+), Alexander-Arnold tops the club chart for forward passes made (2,104) with a strong 66.4% completion rate. This skill will be challenging for potential replacements like Conor Bradley to replicate, especially considering the defensive responsibilities that come with the role.
Real Madrid's absence of Dani Carvajal has exposed weaknesses on the right flank, particularly in creating attacking opportunities. Lucas Vazquez has filled the gap this season due to Carvajal's injury, but at 34 years old by the start of next season, questions linger about his long-term suitability. Other options like Raul Asensio, Antonio Rudiger, or Eder Militao have been explored, but Alexander-Arnold's arrival could provide the balance and attacking threat the team needs, particularly in delivering forward passes and supporting the attack from the right-back position.
Comparing Passing Ability
While Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez boast impressive passing accuracy in the final third (82.8% and 77.5%, respectively), Trent Alexander-Arnold's sheer volume of forward passes (1,262 made, 978 successful) outpaces them. Although Vazquez and Carvajal have contributed goals and assists, Alexander-Arnold's 23 assists over the same period dwarf their numbers (10 and 15 assists, respectively).
Carvajal has played 7,192 minutes over the past three seasons, slightly less than Alexander-Arnold's time on the pitch. Vazquez, however, has seen significantly fewer minutes (6,107). Given his age and contributions, Carvajal might feel satisfied with his attacking output, but Alexander-Arnold's unique blend of volume and creativity sets him apart. Real Madrid's interest in Alexander-Arnold suggests they believe he can bring a distinct level of attacking prowess to their team.
Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez have excelled in one-on-one duels, with win percentages over 50%, placing them among Real Madrid's top performers. In contrast, Trent Alexander-Arnold has participated in 637 such duels, winning 48.4%. While Alexander-Arnold brings other strengths, adapting to this aspect of the game could be crucial for his success at Real Madrid.
Moving to Real Madrid will bring significant challenges for Alexander-Arnold, including intense scrutiny from the Spanish press and high expectations from fans. Unlike his status as a beloved figure at Liverpool, he will need to prove himself from scratch in the Spanish capital. The pressure of wearing the iconic all-white kit and performing at the highest level will require him to adapt and rise to new challenges.
Time stood still for Trent Alexander-Arnold ⏳ pic.twitter.com/Lu4CB5slGD
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 23, 2025
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