Trent is not a bad defender—let’s be clear. But is that enough to avoid completely disrupting Real Madrid’s balance?

Real Madrid Faces Another High-Stakes Gamble with Trent Alexander-Arnold Transfer

Real Madrid are no strangers to dramatic transfer sagas, and their latest target is Liverpool’s right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

With Dani Carvajal sidelined due to a long-term injury, Madrid’s interest in the England international has grown, with rumors swirling about a possible move either this January or next summer. But the key question remains: is Trent the right fit for Madrid’s needs, and what implications will this have for both clubs?

The Transfer Situation

Reports from The Athletic, Marca, and other outlets suggest that Madrid and Alexander-Arnold are “90% agreed” on a future deal. Originally, Madrid intended to sign Trent as a free agent in the summer of 2025, but with Carvajal unavailable, the club is now considering a move as early as January.

Liverpool, however, has rejected Madrid’s offers ranging from €15 to €25 million, despite efforts to extend Trent’s contract with improved terms. The club is determined to keep their homegrown star.

Real Madrid are rethinking their approach. While they respect Liverpool and want to avoid straining their relationship by acquiring Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, Madrid’s struggles with Lucas Vazquez in Carvajal’s absence have made reinforcements a priority.

Adding to the intrigue is Jude Bellingham, one of Trent’s closest friends and a key figure at Madrid. Bellingham’s influence could play a crucial role in convincing Alexander-Arnold to make the move to the Bernabeu.

Criticism and Questions Surrounding Trent

While Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as one of the most talented full-backs in the world, his defensive shortcomings have drawn criticism.

His recent display in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United reignited concerns, with some fans joking that he seemed “mentally in Madrid already.” Social media was flooded with memes and comparisons to Bellingham’s pre-transfer behavior at Borussia Dortmund, further fueling speculation about Trent’s potential departure.

Despite these concerns, Trent remains a world-class playmaker. His passing range, vision, and ability to orchestrate play from deep positions make him a rare talent. For Liverpool, he’s more than just a right-back—he’s a creative hub in their midfield.

Could Real Madrid Use Trent in Midfield?

An interesting proposition for Madrid is deploying Alexander-Arnold in a midfield role. With the club struggling to find a successor to Toni Kroos, this could be an ideal solution.

While Madrid boasts several talented midfielders—Bellingham, Valverde,Camavinga, Tchouameni, and Modric—none possess Kroos’s ability to control the tempo and deliver precise diagonals.

Trent has been experimented with in midfield by both Jurgen Klopp and Gareth Southgate, with promising results. His passing ability, vision, and composure suggest he could seamlessly slot into the deep-lying playmaker role that Madrid desperately needs.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is known for his tactical flexibility, and using Trent in midfield could address two issues: replacing Kroos and bypassing direct competition with Carvajal for the right-back spot.

What’s Next?

The Alexander-Arnold transfer saga is far from over. Whether Madrid make a move in January to secure him early or wait until he becomes a free agent, their interest is clear.

For Liverpool, losing a homegrown star would be a significant blow, but holding onto a player whose mind may already be elsewhere could affect team morale.

For Real Madrid, the risks are equally high. While Trent’s offensive qualities are undeniable, his defensive reliability remains a concern. Additionally, adapting him to a midfield role would take time, and the club’s high expectations leave little room for errors.

The coming months will likely determine if this high-stakes gamble pays off for Madrid, or if it becomes another transfer saga that falls short.