Trent Alexander-Arnold heading to Real Madrid on free transfer next season

A Liverpool source revealed to ESPN that Trent Alexander-Arnold — whose contract expires in three months — is increasingly close to joining Real Madrid on a free transfer. While no final agreement has been reached, Madrid’s side remains optimistic about completing the transfer soon.

The departure of the 26-year-old right-back will be a significant blow for Liverpool — considering his status as an academy product who has been with the club since age six. During his first-team career, Alexander-Arnold has made 349 appearances and won seven major trophies.

“I have been at the club 20 years now and have signed four or five contract extensions that have never been discussed in public. And this one won’t be either,” Alexander-Arnold stated in an interview last September.

Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation is part of a larger issue at Liverpool — where captain Virgil van Dijk and forward Mohamed Salah will also see their contracts expire this June. Management changes, including sporting director Julian Ward’s departure and Jurgen Klopp’s announcement to leave the club, have affected contract negotiations.

• Van Dijk – contract expires June 2025
• Salah – contract expires June 2025
• Alexander-Arnold – contract expires June 2025

Although Liverpool currently leads the Premier League by 12 points under new coach Arne Slot, the departure of these three key players will present a major challenge for the club in the upcoming transfer window.