Revealed: Trent Alexander-Arnold could've joined Barcelona instead of Real Madrid after Catalan giants held talks with Liverpool star's agents earlier this season

According to a report from Cadena SER (h/t SPORT), Barcelona attempted to hijack Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid this summer by meeting the Liverpool right-back's agents earlier in the season. The Catalans have been actively looking to sign a new right-back to bolster their backline for next season and have been reported to be interested in Alexander-Arnold for a few years.

Alexander-Arnold is into the final few months of his existing contract at Liverpool, and hasn't penned a new deal with the Reds. Real Madrid, for months, have been leading the race to sign the England international on a free transfer. Transfer experts Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic's David Ornstein both confirmed the news earlier this week that Los Blancos were in advanced stages of completing the signing of the Reds' star this summer, with only the final details such as length of the contract and wages left to be sorted out.

However, it turns out that the 26-year-old could have joined Madrid's eternal rivals Barcelona instead. Per Cadena SER's scoop, the Catalans were interested in signing him when Xavi and Jordi Cruyff were still a part of the club.

Their latest attempt, meanwhile, came earlier in the season, with Barca sporting director Deco holding a meeting with Alexander-Arnold's agents to understand the feasibility of signing him this summer. However, due to the Blaugrana's well-documented financial constraints, the England international's move to Catalonia was deemed unrealistic.

It has been all but confirmed that Alexander-Arnold will leave Anfield and arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu next season, reportedly on a five-year deal where he will earn €15 million (£13m/$16m) per season.

The full-back will be key to Arne Slot's plans for the remaining nine Premier League games. Liverpool hold a healthy 12-point lead at the top of the table and will next face local rivals Everton next Wednesday, April 2, in what promises to be a riveting Merseyside derby.