Trent Alexander-Arnold backed to join Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid next season but ex-Liverpool star admits he is 'not among world's best defenders'

Despite his longstanding loyalty to Liverpool, rumours about Alexander-Arnold's future have continued to grow as he is yet to pen an extension at Anfield. He has less than 12 months left in his current deal and Real Madrid are waiting in the wings to make a move for the England international as they look to find a suitable replacement for an ageing Dani Carvajal.

Alexander-Arnold has made it clear that his decision will be influenced by his ambitions to win more trophies and the allure of joining Real Madrid - a club with a glittering history and the most European Cups in football - is undeniable. And with his close friend and Three Lions team-mate Bellingham already at the Bernabeu, his decision could well be tipped in favour of a fresh challenge on Spanish shores.

Mark Lawrenson, a former Liverpool defender and football pundit, has further fuelled these rumours with his bold prediction. Speaking on Alexander-Arnold's future in an interview with Sports Casting, he stated: "I think Trent Alexander-Arnold is most definitely up there with the best Premier League right backs of all time when he’s in full flow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better right back in terms of delivering the ball to players. He probably isn’t among the best defenders in the world, but it doesn’t really matter because he just sees passes that other players can’t – that ball into Mohamed Salah in the first game of the season against Ipswich was unbelievable.

"However, I don’t think Trent will be at the club at the start of next season – I can see him being attracted to playing at Real Madrid. He has an England team-mate in Jude Bellingham there and I can see him playing for them next season. If you really wanted to stay at Liverpool, then would you not have signed your contract by now?"

The contract situation does not only apply to Alexander-Arnold. Two other key Liverpool players, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, are also nearing the end of their current deals and Lawrenson suspects that all three players are biding their time, waiting to see how the season unfolds before making any definitive decisions.

“I think that goes for all three of Liverpool’s players who are out of contract next summer – Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah too," he said. "They’re just waiting to see what will happen, but for me, Trent probably wants to go and play somewhere on the continent. I don’t think he’ll turn down the opportunity to play for Real Madrid.”

Alexander-Arnold has been a key figure at Anfield for years, playing an instrumental role in the club’s recent successes, including their Champions League and Premier League triumphs. However, as January 2025 approaches, the club will face growing uncertainty over his future. In the short term, the full-back remains committed to the cause at Anfield and will be back in action against Wolves on Saturday.