This summer will mark Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool after 21 years of service. After rising through the juvenile ranks, the Englishman made his cup debut in 2016, twelve years after he first joined at the age of six.
Alexander-Arnold made a name for himself as a vital member of the team right away, and he has contributed significantly to its success over the years. But when his contract was about to expire in the summer, supporters began to worry that one of their own could decide to leave the team in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
When Alexander-Arnold’s contract ends this summer, he is expected to join Real Madrid, fulfilling their worst fears. The 26-year-old will now go on a free transfer to Los Blancos after declining Liverpool’s offer to become the highest-paid English player in the Premier League, according to TBRFootball.
Barcelona and Trent Alexander-Arnold Talked
However, they chose not to pursue him.
Alexander-Anolrd is among the top right-backs in the world of football, so it’s not surprise that other teams were interested in signing him this summer besides Real Madrid. According to Spanish publication Cadena SER, as reported by the Mirror, their bitter rivals Barcelona were also monitoring the 26-year-old and had discussions with his agents a few months ago.
According to reports, Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, called a meeting to determine the possibility of a transaction. However, for two reasons, Barcelona chose not to pursue a move following the private discussions.
Due to Liverpool’s financial difficulties, Barcelona officials finally decided that a move for the right-back would not be feasible. The Englishman’s wage demands and signing-on bonus would have made the transaction expensive for the Catalan powerhouses, even if they wouldn’t have had to pay a fee.
Additionally, they lost interest in Jules Kounde because of his performances. Kounde is a natural centre back, but this season he has filled in at right back. Although a right-back is still rumoured to be on their summer want list, they will look for less expensive options; among the names mentioned are Andrei Ratiu of Rayo Vallecano and Vanderson of Monaco.
That made it possible for Real Madrid to finalise a bid for Alexander-Arnold since Barcelona was no longer a contender. Fabrizio Romano stated in an interview with GIVEMESPORT that although the deal has not yet been signed, it would soon be finished. He is anticipated to sign a five-year contract, and his pay will be far less than that of players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, or Vinicius Jr.
