The rumours that Trent Alexander-Arnold could be on his way to Real Madrid just won’t subside, and it hasn’t helped that the Liverpool man has been spotted dining with Jude Bellingham.
This time last year, Bellingham was being unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu, and it’s fair to say that in the space of a year, he has cemented himself as a fulcrum of the current Los Blancos side.
Having already won La Liga and the Champions League in his debut campaign in Spain, it wouldn’t be difficult to imagine the 21-year-old espousing the virtues of his employers to anyone that wants to listen.
With Liverpool now in a transitional period under Arne Slot, there are cogent reasons why certain first team stars might be considering their futures.
After all, it’s never going to be the same as it was under Jurgen Klopp, though Slot really does need to be given a chance to be able to get his feet under the table before players make any decisions on what happens next.
As Fabrizio Romano reports, anyone believing Trent is any closer to Real at this point is wide of the mark.
No change in Trent’s situation – Romano
“As I always repeat, footballers are friends but it means nothing in terms of transfers,” he said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive Daily Briefing.
“Just because Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham have been seen having dinner together… there’s really nothing more to say.
“They are great friends and that’s it.
“Real Madrid are monitoring Trent’s situation as reported back in March and the situation has absolutely not changed at all so far.”
As transfermarkt note, Trent’s contract ends in June 2025, so he may well give Slot until January before making a final decision.
If the Dutchman hits the ground running, there’s no reason for the full-back-cum-midfielder to leave Anfield, but if he’s not overly impressed, then Trent will likely leave for free in a year’s time.