Rumour Mongering: Real Madrid Consider Second Trent Bid

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Per a report from Paul Joyce of The Times, Real Madrid are weighing up a second bid for Liverpool FC’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

On New Year’s Eve, the Spanish side approached Liverpool about a transfer of Alexander-Arnold to their squad in January, right before the transfer window was due to open. Liverpool “emphatically dismissed” the idea that their vice-captain could leave six months before his contract expires.

No figures were discussed during what I imagine to be an extremely brief initial conversation. Still, reports in Spain indicated that Real would be willing to pay just over £20 million for the England international. Their head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is reportedly pushing for the signing. The Liga club is now weighing up whether to make further contact.

Real Madrid are keen to bring in the right-back now instead of in the summer due to a serious cruciate injury to usual starter Dani Carvajal. Centre-back Eder Militao, who can deputise at right-back, is also out. In their absence, long-term backup and utility player Lucas Vazquez has been playing in the position.

However, if money is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s primary concern, moving now instead of in the summer makes no sense. Moving on as a free agent in the summer would surely entitle him to a significant signing on fee and wages that a bid in the winter window would take a bite out of. Neither a Liverpool extension nor a Madrid bid in this window would be able to match what he could earn if he moved on a Bosman. The player reportedly has no interest in moving in January, but Real Madrid’s strong interest will serve him well in any negotiations with Liverpool.

With Liverpool at the top of the Premier League and Champions League and still involved in their two domestic cup competitions, letting their starting right-back and domestic captain leave would also make zero sense. Liverpool’s stance on a January move continues to be a firm no. Joyce reports that negotiations on a new contract with the 26-year-old are also continuing, with Liverpool receiving no indication that the player wants to leave. Nevertheless, expect more shenanigans from Perez and company as they attempt to unsettle the player until a resolution is reached.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com