REAL MADRID and Barcelona are closely tracking Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation at Liverpool.

The 25-year-old Liverpool vice-captain is nearing the end of his contract, which expires next year, and has been strongly linked with a move to one of the European heavyweights. Spanish reports indicate that both LaLiga giants believe Alexander-Arnold might be considering a departure, particularly in light of the rise of 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley.

Liverpool is preparing to offer Alexander-Arnold a new contract that would boost his current £180,000-per-week salary, but they are not willing to make exorbitant financial commitments. There are also rumors suggesting he could join England team-mate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.

Adding fuel to the speculation, Alexander-Arnold was recently seen in Los Angeles signing a Real Madrid shirt for a fan during a vacation with Bellingham. Liverpool’s management also faces decisions regarding the futures of Mo Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33, the only two players at Anfield earning more than Alexander-Arnold. All three players’ contracts are set to expire in June 2025.

While it appears unlikely that Liverpool would part with their academy star this summer, it remains a potential scenario for the future. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other top clubs are keeping a close watch on developments over the coming year.

Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional ability to create chances and provide assists from right-back has led to calls for him to be used in a more attacking role, despite former manager Jurgen Klopp’s hesitations. He stands out as one of football’s premier passers, having scored 15 goals and provided 58 assists—an unprecedented record for Premier League defenders.

New manager Arne Slot favors a more conventional right-back, with Northern Ireland’s Bradley viewed as a more suitable option. Liverpool legend Michael Owen has suggested that a move to Real Madrid could be too alluring for Alexander-Arnold to resist.

Owen told Casino Hawks: “Real Madrid is currently the pinnacle of European football, with the biggest name and an iconic presence. It’s a stage that’s hard to ignore. I faced a similar choice in my career, and it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. If Real Madrid comes calling, Trent would have a lot to weigh.”

Liverpool remains the only Premier League club yet to make a signing this summer but is expected to add a new defensive midfielder. Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, who has a £51.7m release clause, is a key target for Arne Slot.