Partly due to Dani Carvajal's injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold's name is increasingly being linked with Real Madrid in Spain. The right-back has a contract expiring at Liverpool, and if an extension at Anfield doesn't happen, the Madrid club is considering making him an offer, according to reports in Spain. This is yet another example of the transfer strategy Real Madrid has been following in recent years.
Carvajal’s recent cruciate ligament injury, sustained during a match for Real Madrid, has left the Spanish giants in a vulnerable position on the right side of defense.
The injury comes at a critical point in the season, with Real Madrid competing on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe. Despite the severity of the injury, Carvajal’s future at the club remains secure, having recently extended his contract. This means that while the veteran defender will be sidelined for an extended period, his long-term role at the club is not in question.
However, in the short term, Real Madrid faces a problem. With Carvajal out of action, Carlo Ancelotti’s options at right-back are severely limited. Currently, Lucas Vázquez is the only viable alternative for the position, but Vázquez, a natural winger converted into a defender, may not provide the level of defensive stability or attacking flair required for Real Madrid to maintain their form. This has prompted the club to explore potential reinforcements, with Trent Alexander-Arnold emerging as a prime target.
According to reports from Marca and other prominent transfer sources, Real Madrid is seriously considering making a move for Alexander-Arnold, the highly regarded Liverpool right-back. Alexander-Arnold has long been one of the top full-backs in world football, known for his exceptional crossing, playmaking ability, and versatility. However, his contract with Liverpool is set to expire soon, and the lack of clarity surrounding a potential renewal at Anfield has sparked speculation that Real Madrid could swoop in.
Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold is not without its conditions. The club is reportedly prepared to make an approach for the England international only if he has not extended his contract with Liverpool by the end of the current calendar year. This strategy is part of a broader plan by Florentino Perez, Real Madrid’s president, who has successfully employed similar tactics in the past to acquire world-class players on free transfers or at reduced prices.
Perez’s approach with Alexander-Arnold mirrors the club’s ongoing interest in Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies. Like Alexander-Arnold, Davies’ contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and Real Madrid is closely monitoring the situation. Perez is known for his patience and strategic timing when it comes to transfers, preferring to wait for the right moment to sign top players, especially those nearing the end of their contracts. By doing so, Real Madrid avoids hefty transfer fees and strengthens their squad without significant financial strain.
This method of capitalizing on expiring contracts is not new for Real Madrid. The Spanish champions have made several high-profile signings in recent years by waiting for players to become available as free agents. Notable examples include Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, both of whom joined Real Madrid after their contracts with Chelsea and Bayern Munich, respectively, ran out. Kylian Mbappé was another target of this strategy, although his situation remains unresolved due to his decision to extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain for the time being.
Alexander-Arnold, known for his ability to influence games from deep positions, would be a significant addition to Real Madrid’s already star-studded squad. His attacking prowess, combined with his vision and passing range, makes him a perfect fit for Real Madrid’s style of play. Under Ancelotti, a manager who values full-backs that can contribute both defensively and offensively, Alexander-Arnold could flourish, providing balance and creativity to Madrid’s defense.
In addition, should Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid, he would bring invaluable experience from his time at Liverpool, where he has won the Premier League, Champions League, and several other major honors. His pedigree as one of the best right-backs in the world makes him an ideal candidate to fill the gap left by Carvajal, not only in the short term but potentially as a long-term successor.
Real Madrid’s strategy of waiting for January 1, 2025, when players with expiring contracts can legally negotiate with other clubs, is a crucial part of their long-term squad-building philosophy. This date marks the point at which Alexander-Arnold and Davies could officially begin discussions with Real Madrid, provided they have not renewed their deals with Liverpool and Bayern Munich, respectively.
The possibility of Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool, a club where he has spent his entire career thus far, is still uncertain. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and the club’s management will likely prioritize contract talks with the player, as losing him would be a significant blow to the team. However, if those talks stall, Real Madrid will be waiting in the wings, ready to capitalize.
In the case of Davies, his potential arrival would further bolster Real Madrid’s defensive options, adding youth, pace, and energy to the left-back position. Together with Alexander-Arnold, the pair could form a dynamic and highly effective full-back partnership for the future, strengthening Real Madrid’s defense for years to come.
As the football world approaches January 2025, all eyes will be on Real Madrid and their next moves in the transfer market. Should both Alexander-Arnold and Davies fail to renew their contracts, it is highly likely that Real Madrid will make significant efforts to bring them to the Bernabéu. The prospect of such a transfer could trigger major shifts in the European football landscape, as two of the game’s brightest talents potentially move to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
In conclusion, Real Madrid’s calculated and methodical approach to the transfer market, especially in dealing with players whose contracts are nearing expiration, has proven highly successful in recent years. With the situations of Alexander-Arnold and Davies closely monitored, there is potential for Real Madrid to once again pull off major signings without the need for exorbitant transfer fees. If all goes according to plan, Real Madrid could strengthen their squad significantly in 2025, reinforcing their status as one of the most powerful and strategically adept clubs in world football.
