As Trent Alexander-Arnold prepares to choose between long-term hometown glory at Liverpool or a move from the Galactico to Real Madrid, his inner circle will undoubtedly have some influence on his latest decision.
Since it became clear that the England star's contract on Merseyside was due to expire, and Los Blancos – in need of a right-back – stepped up their bid and made a bid to sign him this month, Alexander-Arnold has been divided .
The 26-year-old, along with fellow stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, remain uncertain about his future at Anfield, with a £20million proposal submitted by Carlo Ancelotti's side on New Year's Eve. The full-back is now being criticized following a disappointing derby day against Manchester United, with his efforts being questioned following a counter-contract offer from the Reds themselves.
Whether it stays red or flies to sunny Spain is ultimately Alexander-Arnold's choice, although Mirror Football is investigating those who will try to offer some advice.
Brothers Marcell and Tyler
Alexander-Arnold's siblings will play a role in their brother's biggest decision yet – whether they plan to or not. Tyler also acts as the Englishman's agent and is a director at agency PLG, meaning that whether the defender chooses to stay put or jump ship, he will oversee the deal.
Both brothers are incredibly close to the Liverpool ace and Alexander-Arnold's open admission to The Players Tribune indicates that both will have something to say to him about his potential move.
“As I got older and moved up through the Liverpool academy, Tyler and Marcel willingly sacrificed their own dreams for mine,” said Alexander-Arnold. “There were weekends when mum couldn't take my brothers to their games because I had to be at the academy at a certain time – and it was always them who made the sacrifice.
“To this day, I am incredibly grateful to both of them. We took every step I took. Every cap I got, we got. Every experience I had, we had.”
Parents Michael and Dianne
Alexander-Arnold's parents have played a crucial role in his development so far, helping him attend matches as a youngster and ensuring his education was not influenced by football.
So both will likely have a say if their son chooses to leave his hometown and be tempted by the offer of European giants Real – especially father Michael, who supposedly manages the defender through an investment fund in London.
“My mother and father always knew my dream was to be a footballer, but they warned me that only one or two percent are lucky enough to see it come true,” West Derby-born Alexander-Arnold said in 2018. “They made sure I always had a backup plan. I passed all my GSCEs and probably would have gone to university if I hadn't signed for Liverpool.
“When you grow up, you have dreams – and I live them. You want to play for one of the best teams, you want to play for your country, you want to experience special occasions. So far I've been lucky. I have had the opportunity to perform on the biggest stages and I am grateful for that.”
Girlfriend Estelle Behnke
It was first reported last year that the England right-back was dating influencer/model Behnke, and since then the two have had a series of romantic breaks together.
Alexander-Arnold and his love interest were last seen heading to Venice, although Behnke's thoughts on the move to the Spanish capital remain unclear – should that be her boyfriend's decision.
Either way, the two promise to make a formidable power couple as their relationship grows, with a source telling The Mirror exclusively: “If things continue like this, they will be the ultimate celebrity power couple. Estelle has a glamorous modeling career and Trent is one of the biggest names in football. There is a huge demand for him.
“He's only 26 and has the world at his feet,” they added, comparing the Englishman to another high-profile Real Madrid move. “They really could be the next Posh and Becks.”
Friend Jude Bellingham
Los Blancos superstar Jude Bellingham is a player considered by many to be a formidable magnet, aiming to lure his good friend Alexander-Arnold to La Liga.
The England duo have built a close bond during their international break and swapped shirts after a Champions League match between their two clubs.
Both have also embarked on several trips together during the slow summer months, and Bellingham is believed to have spoken to his friend about a possible move to Madrid.
“I'll be playing alongside him for England next season anyway, so hopefully that's a guarantee,” is the only explanation Bellingham has given so far when asked about the prospect of Alexander-Arnold joining him.
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