Trent Alexander-Arnold Rumored To Reject Contract Extension With Liverpool, Choose Real Madrid

English Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. (photo: dok ANTARA/HO-Liverpool/am._

JAKARTA Liverpool's mainstay defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold, has reportedly rejected a contract extension offer from his club and chose to leave for Real Madrid. This rumor was first reported by Spanish media, Marca, on Saturday, December 28.

According to the report, Alexander-Arnold has submitted his decision directly to Liverpool's Director. The England international is said to want to have a new experience with Los Blancos.

"Communication with full-backs (Alexander-Arnold) is becoming very difficult because he seems to have accepted Real Madrid's offer. The player clearly wants to try out new challenges outside England," wrote Marca.

Alexander-Arnold's decision was linked to the important role of Jude Bellingham, a Real Madrid midfielder who is also a close friend. The two are often seen in intensive communication, both on and off the field.

Alexander-Arnold's contract at Liverpool will expire in the 2025 summer transfer market. This opens up opportunities for the 26-year-old defender to hold precontract talks with other clubs starting January 1, 2025.

Real Madrid is reportedly monitoring the situation closely. If there is a chance to bring in Alexander-Arnold, either by direct transfer or for free at the end of the season, Los Blancos will certainly move quickly.

Real Madrid's experience in signing players with free transfer status was quite successful, as seen in the transfers of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Kylian Mbappe. They were recruited with a scheme similar to the current Alexander-Arnold situation.

Real Madrid's move to strengthen defense is also in line with their long-term strategy. The presence of Alexander-Arnold, who is known to have extraordinary bait and gaming vision, is believed to strengthen Carlo Ancelotti's squad.

The Alexander-Arnold transfer saga is predicted to be one of the biggest dramas in the upcoming transfer market. Now, all eyes are on the next steps taken by Liverpool and the player.