Ex-Liverpool star questions secrecy around Trent Alexander-Arnold's potential free transfer to Real Madrid as Reds learn ideal replacement

Reports emerged earlier this week that Real Madrid are nearing a free transfer agreement for Alexander-Arnold as his contract with the Reds runs out this summer. Despite strong rumours of the player's possible move to Madrid doing the rounds, neither the Merseyside club nor the full-back has addressed the issue yet. Ex-Anfield star Hamann has questioned Liverpool's secrecy around the matter while backing the England international's decision to head to Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking to PokerScout, Hamann said: "If Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to leave Liverpool, I don’t know why he and the club haven’t come out to explain the situation. I'd be very surprised if he hadn't made his mind up by now. I think that because he could get another injury, which rules him out for the season, and that will impact contract talks with both Liverpool and Real Madrid.

"I don’t think there is any reason to keep his plans a secret. He looks the most likely to go, and you might only get a chance to join Real Madrid once in your career, so I don’t think you can blame him. Real Madrid like to have the ball, and I think Trent Alexander-Arnold fits into any team, lots has been made of his defensive deficiencies, but his passing range is incredible, and that would suit their forwards perfectly. He gives you so much going forward so."

The 51-year-old also advised his former club to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong as he considers the Dutchman to be an ideal replacement for Alexander-Arnold. Hamann added: "I was surprised that nobody signed Jeremie Frimpong last summer for around £40 million, there was an option and nobody took it, but he is a brilliant player. He has lots of pace, he scores and sets up goals, he is a very modern player and he would do a great job in the Premier League.

"He is more of a wing-back than a full-back, but he would be a great player for Liverpool to have, he’d give another option outside of Mohamed Salah who likes to cut in on his left foot. Every team needs pace and he has certainly got it, he would be a good option for Liverpool if Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves."

Arne Slot's men will be back in action in the Premier League on Sunday as they take on Fulham away from home. With Arsenal dropping points against Everton on Saturday, the Reds have a chance to increase their lead to 14 points at the top of the table if they win at Craven Cottage.