“Salah & Van Dijk Contracts Ignite Twist in Trent Alexander-Arnold Saga – Fabrizio Romano”
“Salah & Van Dijk Deals Set Stage for Trent Alexander-Arnold Shock U-Turn – Fabrizio Romano”
Real Madrid are still confident they’ll secure Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer from Liverpool.
The right-back’s contract is due to expire in 2025, and a change of heart over his future seems increasingly unlikely.
Respected journalist David Ornstein has suggested that the Liverpool vice-captain is ‘expected’ to make the move to La Liga once his deal runs out.
In response, reports have started to link incoming manager Arne Slot with right-back replacements, including Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong.
New deals for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah reportedly won’t affect the situation.
Fans hoping that the contract renewals of Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk might sway Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision are likely to be left disappointed.
Fabrizio Romano has reaffirmed that the 26-year-old is still expected to leave Liverpool in the summer, even as they chase the Premier League title.
Although the move hasn’t been finalized yet, Real Madrid still need to formally notify Liverpool once the deal is signed.
“That’s what’s expected,” Romano stated on the Here We Go podcast. “We’re just waiting for the formal steps—Trent signing with Real Madrid, and Madrid informing Liverpool. That’s standard for high-profile free transfers.”
He added, “As mentioned a month ago, the plan is still firmly in place — Trent Alexander-Arnold is anticipated to join Real Madrid.” Nothing has changed.”
Romano also acknowledged the optimism among Liverpool supporters following the Salah and Van Dijk news, but reiterated that Real Madrid remain calm and confident about completing the signing.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision has sparked outrage.
It’s one thing to seek a fresh challenge when leaving a struggling side for a clearly superior one — that we can understand. Still, it’s tough to make sense of Trent’s reported plans given the current path Liverpool is on under Arne Slot.
The club is on track to secure a historic 20th league title, equaling Manchester United, and enjoying a promising start to life post-Klopp.
Salah’s contract extension — and Van Dijk likely following — signals a strong sense of continuity heading into the 2025/26 season.
What’s more, Trent’s apparent choice to part ways with his boyhood club feels especially jarring given his deep roots in the city, his public embrace of Scouse identity, and the legacy of being seen as Gerrard’s natural successor.
"He's a lizard" 👀
Paddy Pimblett expresses his disappointment with Trent Alexander-Arnold's rumoured transfer to Real Madrid ‼️ pic.twitter.com/A2FdAffypy
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) April 10, 2025