Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid ultimatum and why it’s clear he’s ‘open’ to move

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold has been urged by Didi Hamann that it is now or never for his move to Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold is one of three Reds superstars whose contracts expire in 2025, alongside the recently outspoken Mohamed Salah and defensive powerhouse Virgil van Dijk. The youngest of the trio, England's Alexander-Arnold, 26, has been involved with his boyhood club since he was six, and many believe that if one of the three has to resign, the defender should be given priority.

Yet there has been no mention of starting negotiations over an extension, and the defender himself has not ruled out a move away from Anfield. The one side reportedly interested in the Englishman is Real, who lost 2-0 to the Merseyside side on Wednesday evening, and former enforcer Hamann feels Alexander-Arnold's next move is becoming increasingly clear.

“The question is whether Trent wants to go abroad,” Hamann began in a conversation with Genting Casino. “Many English people in my time did not go abroad. I think Beckham was one of the first, Michael Owen went, and he came back after one season.

“If he wants to go abroad or says: 'Yes, I am open to it', as he says, I think so, then I think it is very difficult to turn down Real Madrid. If you get the chance, you should most players take it, because the big clubs usually don't come back.”

Carlo Ancelotti's side are in desperate need of a right-back, with stalwart Dani Carvajal making his footballing swan song, and Spanish outfit Relevo reported last month that contact had been made between the European champions and Alexander-Arnold's camp.

Despite the Italian coach refusing to answer a question about Alexander-Arnold before their loss at Anfield, it has been suggested for some time that there is genuine interest. kept said future move alive.

“It's comparable to Bayern Munich,” Hamann continued. “If Bayern Munich want you and you turn them down, they won't come back. You probably only have one chance. You talk about royalties; Real Madrid is probably the biggest club.”

A clear incentive for Alexander-Arnold – who was left on the bench last night as he returned from a hamstring injury – to stay in his hometown would be the club's revival under Arne Slot. They sit at the top of the Premier League and Champions League tables – unbeaten in the latter – and have a great chance of winning this league or the domestic cup this season.

“Liverpool has a good chance of winning the Champions League again in the next five years,” Hamann concluded, referring to Slot's impact.

“But that doesn't mean he can't win it with Real Madrid. The longer this goes on, the more likely he is to leave. I don't think you can blame him if Real Madrid come calling.”