Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has backed Trent Alexander-Arnold to continue playing at Anfield, dismissing the Real Madrid tie as a negotiating tactic. Carragher believes a move to Madrid this summer is unlikely, even if Alexander-Arnold’s future remains uncertain.
Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold is entering the final year of his contract with the Reds. The Merseysiders are keen to get the 25-year-old to sign a new contract, but efforts have so far been in vain. With the England international’s contract on hold, some reports have suggested he is headed for Real Madrid. A deal with Madrid could be seen as lucrative for Alexander-Arnold, as he would not only be playing for one of Europe’s most successful teams, but would also be sharing a dressing room with his best friend Jude Bellingham.
While Liverpool fans are concerned about their homegrown talent, Carragher believes Alexander-Arnold is using his links with Madrid to secure a big-money signing at Anfield.
Liverpool legend Carragher denies Alexander-Arnold, links to Real Madrid
In an interview with SPORTbible, the former England international said (via Liverpool.com):
“I always believed he would stay. It’s debatable. He’ll be the next captain. He’s a local guy. I always think you feel a greater sense of kinship when you’re a local player. I definitely thought so. Steven Gerrard didn’t go to Real Madrid or Chelsea because he was Liverpool.
“Remember, Real Madrid have a decent right-back. He just won the Euros and I think he won the European Cup 6 times. He is not a bad player. My worry is that Real Madrid are thinking of signing him after a year. I don’t think they are ready to sell him yet. [Dani] Carvajal for now. Maybe in a year – who knows?“
He added:
“I think it’s all a negotiation. With Jude. [Bellingham]“Signing Real Madrid’s top player or whatever. I think it’s all part of the game. I didn’t play the game and I think I should have. I probably would have made more money from it!”
Alexander-Arnold has been in the senior team since the 2016-17 season. He has since made 310 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing 81 assists. Alexander-Arnold has won several awards, including the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League trophy.
