Liverpool issue official response to Real Madrid over Trent Alexander-Arnold as out-of-contract star’s future takes new twist

Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports.

Alexander-Arnold, 26, has attracted interest from Real Madrid for some time. His contract with Liverpool is set to expire in June 2025, and he will be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club starting January 1, 2025.

The England international has been largely silent about his future, but an update has now surfaced.

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Madrid “reached out” to Liverpool, but their interest was “quickly rejected” by the Premier League club on Tuesday (December 31).

The report also indicates that Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold’s representatives have been in talks about a new contract for several months.

The Times notes that the discussions between Madrid and Liverpool never progressed to a stage where financial terms were discussed, with the Reds seemingly offering the La Liga club “minimal encouragement.”

Last Saturday, Spanish outlet Marca reported that Alexander-Arnold had made a decision regarding his future, revealing that he had informed Liverpool’s directors of his desire to play for Real Madrid.

Since then, the England international played in Liverpool’s 5-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday. Despite the speculation surrounding his future, he scored Liverpool’s fourth goal and celebrated with a unique gesture, raising his hand and mimicking a talking motion.

Some fans speculated that the celebration was a nod to his England teammate and Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, who used a similar gesture after scoring against Serbia in Euro 2024 last summer. However, this connection could be purely coincidental.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been direct when addressing questions about Alexander-Arnold’s future. When asked about Trent’s celebration, Slot commented that the right-back was “playing really well.”

“No, I don’t think it [the celebration] is negative at all,” Slot said after Liverpool’s win. “He’s playing really well, scored a great goal, and the way he celebrated probably says enough. I don’t think I need to add more.”

Slot went on to express his satisfaction with Alexander-Arnold, alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, noting, “I’m really happy with Trent, just as happy as I am with Mo and Virgil. For me, there’s no difference.There may be more attention on Trent in the media, but I’m happy with all three of them.”

Alexander-Arnold is one of three key players, including Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, whose contracts are set to expire in June 2025.