Former Ireland international and Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes Trent Alexander-Arnold has already agreed to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summer.
The 26-year-old’s contract situation has been a hot topic since the start of the season, with Liverpool scrambling to tie him down to a new deal.
Alexander-Arnold will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January, and Madrid are keen to secure his signature on a free transfer.
The reigning European champions recently suffered a huge blow. Club legend Dani Carvajal has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Los Blancos have long admired Alexander-Arnold, and Carvajal’s recent setback could expedite their move for the Liverpool academy graduate.
Liverpool are currently locked in talks with Alexander-Arnold’s representatives, but Lawrenson believes the England international defender already has his heart set on joining Madrid.
“I think I’m with Marca or whoever wrote this piece – I think he’s already agreed to go,” Lawrenson said on talkSPORT.
“I’d be honest with you because his big mate plays there, doesn’t he?
“And I think he’s just one of those lads who is very well educated, and he’s thinking, ‘I’ve done everything at Liverpool – maybe I go to Spain, learn the language’.
“Why wouldn’t you want to play for Real Madrid? They win the Champions League every year.”
Liverpool have refused to give up on their quest to keep hold of their prized asset, but there’s still a significant gap between Alexander-Arnold’s wage demands and what the club is willing to offer.
However, they need to seal an agreement before January or risk losing a player of his calibre to Madrid.
Madrid desperately need a right-back, but they’re willing to play the long game to sign Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer.
Liverpool have already begun identifying potential replacements, with the Reds setting their sights on Chelsea talent Josh Acheampong.
