Abhay Singh
Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson, renowned for his insightful football analysis, has been vocal about his expectations for the talented Trent Alexander-Arnold, foreseeing a potential move to Real Madrid on the horizon.
Lawrenson’s confidence in this eventual transition is tempered by his belief in Conor Bradley’s capabilities as a suitable replacement for the English right-back at Anfield.
Amid escalating speculation surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s future prospects at the club, particularly concerning a possible transfer to the prestigious Santiago Bernabeu in the upcoming year, Lawrenson’s perspectives shed light on the shifting dynamics within Liverpool’s defensive lineup.
Alexander-Arnold’s contract expires next summer
Lawrenson imagines the 26-year-old joining his close friend Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.
Alexander-Arnold’s contract expires in the summer of 2022, and Madrid is interested in the creative full-back. He has been a key player for Arne Slot’s Reds this season, posting two assists in nine games across competitions.
Lawrenson said “I think Trent will go to Real Madrid to go and play with Jude Bellingham, and he’d be allowed to play wherever he wanted in that team. I can see it happening, I really hope it doesn’t though. He’s a well-educated guy and he’ll be thinking about going to Madrid and learning the language, earning good money, what’s there not to like?”
The question of who will play right back in Alexander-Arnold’s place if he does depart Liverpool will arise. Lawrenson says the Merseysiders don’t need to go far for a successor, as Bradley is a good fit.
He added “I wouldn’t say Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah (contracts also expiring) are all irreplaceable. I think Conor Bradley has the makings of an outstanding full-back if Trent were to leave. He’s shown that he’s ready to start more for the first team and already has a number of good displays to point to.”
Last season, when Alexander-Arnold was out due to a knee injury, Bradley made his way onto the starting lineup. The Northern Irish defender scored a goal and provided two assists in a 4-1 victory over Chelsea during a brilliant little stint in Jurgen Klopp’s starting lineup.
One of Anfield’s best young players, the 21-year-old is anticipated to have a successful career with the Reds. He has six appearances under Slot in various tournaments.
Alexander-Arnold told Liverpool he won’t renew his contract
With Alexander-Arnold’s ties to Real Madrid growing, speculation about his future is heating up. The vice captain of the Reds is free to negotiate pre-contract terms with foreign teams in January.
Alexander-Arnold reportedly told Liverpool he won’t be renewing his contract, according to Marca. Despite spending his whole career with the Merseysiders, he seems to be considering a switch to the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid are considering trying to sign the Premier League’s top-assisting defender in January. If not, they’ll try to do so the following summer on a free transfer.
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