Trent Alexander-Arnold's future looks bright, wherever he ends up (Image: @skysportspremierleague/YouTube)
If Trent-Alexander-Arnold decides to leave his beloved Liverpool for Real Madrid, money will not be the deciding factor. The local lad began his journey with the Reds at just six years old and quickly rose through the ranks with his versatility, becoming a key player in Jurgen Klopp's Premier League and Champions League winning side.
Now 26, Alexander-Arnold is one of three first-team stars, alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose contracts expire this year. However, unlike his teammates, it is clear that Real Madrid have set their sights on him.
They have been courting the Englishman for some time now and have even submitted an offer. Despite Liverpool's counter-contract offer, it appears that if Alexander-Arnold decides to leave, it won't be because he was looking for a bigger salary.
On New Year's Eve, it was reported that Real had finally put their admiration into action, offering Arne Slot £20m for Alexander-Arnold. They are hoping to secure a beneficial deal for the defender, who they have been linked with signing on a free transfer this summer.
Liverpool, however, quickly rejected this offer, seeing it as an insult. In response, the Reds offered a five-year, £78m mega-deal to Alexander-Arnold, offering him the opportunity to establish himself as one of Anfield's all-time greats, reports the Mirror.
However, Real Madrid had previously offered a similar £300,000-a-week deal, indicating that wherever Alexander-Arnold chooses to go, his decision will not be influenced by salary. The England defender is currently believed to earn around £180,000 per week, which equates to £46.8 million over five years, so Liverpool have demonstrated their confidence with this offer.
No matter where he ends up, the defender's winnings will almost double. Yet Real Madrid's characteristically large signing bonus – made possible because they wouldn't have to pay a transfer fee for Alexander-Arnold – could also be a factor in his decision.
Alexander-Arnold struggled against Man United (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
As this saga continues, questions have been raised over Alexander-Arnold's commitment following his performance in Liverpool's disappointing 2-2 home draw against arch-rivals Manchester United. Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane even suggested a move to League Two side Tranmere Rovers would be more suitable for the defender.
His teammate Van Dijk, whose uncertain future is also causing FSG problems behind the scenes, further appeared visibly frustrated with Alexander-Arnold during the match, shouting several times after a series of errors.
Perhaps a more familiar face, his England teammate Jude Bellingham – who is credited with persuading his friend to join him in the Spanish capital this year – could be what Alexander-Arnold wants. Ultimately, he has a decision to make, and it must be made quickly.
With wages almost identical at Liverpool and Madrid – and a likely more attractive signing bonus in Spain – he needs to stop sitting on the fence. Otherwise, it could lead to even more disappointing performances and even jeopardize Liverpool's quest for the Premier League title.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1997057/trent-alexander-arnold-real-madrid-liverpool