Liverpool fans may need to brace themselves for the unthinkable—Trent Alexander-Arnold could be on his way to Real Madrid. With his contract set to expire in June, reports indicate that the Spanish giants are in advanced talks to secure his services on a free transfer.
Losing Alexander-Arnold would be a massive blow, not just for Liverpool’s defense but also for their entire attacking structure. He’s not just a right-back; he’s a playmaker, a creative force, and a crucial supply line to Mohamed Salah. So, what would his departure mean for the Reds, and can they possibly replace him?
The Creative Genius at Right-Back
Alexander-Arnold has redefined the full-back role in modern football. His passing, vision, and ability to dictate play from deep make him Liverpool’s primary creator—arguably more influential than any traditional No. 10.
Since making his Premier League debut in 2016, only Kevin De Bruyne has created more chances than him. Among defenders, he is in a league of his own, having crafted 514 chances—far ahead of his closest competitor, teammate Andrew Robertson (421).
His 64 Premier League assists are the most by any defender in the competition’s history, surpassing many elite midfielders. But the true measure of his creativity lies in his expected assists (xA)—a metric that assesses the likelihood of a pass leading to a goal. Since 2018/19, Alexander-Arnold has led the entire Premier League in this category.
Simply put, Liverpool doesn’t just lose a right-back if he leaves; they lose their most consistent creator.
The Salah Factor: A Devastating Partnership
Mohamed Salah’s success at Liverpool has been closely tied to Alexander-Arnold’s brilliance. Since Salah arrived in 2017, no player has created more chances for him than Trent—100 in total.
Their chemistry is undeniable. Alexander-Arnold himself has acknowledged their deep understanding, saying:
“We’ve played together for so long, we just know each other’s style of play. We never moan at each other—we just know.”
If Salah stays beyond this summer, Liverpool will need to find a way to compensate for the loss of this crucial partnership. The question is—who can step up?
Defensive Concerns: Is This a Blessing in Disguise?
While Alexander-Arnold’s attacking contributions are undeniable, his defensive weaknesses have often been criticized. He has been dribbled past 296 times in the Premier League—more than any other player since his debut.
Opponents frequently target his flank, exposing Liverpool defensively. If he departs, the Reds may become more solid at the back, but at what cost?
Can Liverpool Replace Him?
Replacing Alexander-Arnold like-for-like is nearly impossible. His skill set is unique, and no right-back in world football offers the same level of creativity.
Liverpool does have a promising alternative in Conor Bradley, the 21-year-old who has stepped up in Trent’s absence. While Bradley is a solid defender and offers offensive threat, his numbers fall short—his expected assists per 90 minutes are less than half of Alexander-Arnold’s.
Instead of finding a direct replacement, Liverpool might have to recalibrate their approach, shifting more creative responsibility onto midfielders and wingers.
A Move That Makes Sense—for Real Madrid
For Real Madrid, signing Alexander-Arnold is a no-brainer. He fits perfectly into their attack-minded setup and would offer an upgrade over their current right-back options.
At just 25 years old, he still has his best years ahead of him. If he makes the move, he could become a key figure at the Bernabéu for the next decade.
The End of an Era?
Alexander-Arnold has been a Liverpool player since he was six years old. Losing him would mark the end of an era—not just in terms of personnel, but in style and strategy.
While Liverpool have rebuilt before, replacing a player as unique as Trent Alexander-Arnold will be their toughest challenge yet. If he does join Real Madrid, one thing is certain—his departure will leave a void that may never truly be filled.
