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Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer truth clear amid Xabi Alonso call and Real Madrid links
One thing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury absence has done is spare Liverpool fans of yet more 'bromance' content from England’s media team involving Jude Bellingham and the inevitable chatter that stirs. For the time being, anyway.
Of course, both men are starring figures for their country and their close friendship makes it hard not to capture the pair together. Fair enough. But the social media team is not naive in knowing what kind of discourse ensues once the ‘publish’ button is pressed, and they don’t seem to mind.
During October’s international break, when the team marked Alexander-Arnold’s birthday, three of the posts published on Instagram alone included Bellingham. The Real Madrid star was chosen to ‘surprise’ his friend by jumping out behind a giant birthday card.
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Taking a step back, it seems a rather odd and random gimmick besides hammering home the fact that the two are close. Looking at Alexander-Arnold’s own profile, you don’t have to scroll down far to see images of the duo.
Ask him whether his friendship with Bellingham would be a factor in contemplating a summer switch to the Bernabeu, the Liverpool vice-captain would likely brush off the suggestion. It could well be, though, and he cannot be blamed for that.
Playing in a team of Galacticos with your close friend is something kids dream up in their back gardens. Although for youngsters in Liverpool, this might only come after imagining lifting the title for the Reds.
Alexander-Arnold has already done the latter, having also won the Champions League and every other major honour. What to do next after fulfilling those ambitions by 26?
"I have always said I want to captain the club, that is an aim of mine and a goal of mine," he revealed in September. "Whether that happens is out of my hands."
That will only surely occur if Virgil van Dijk moves on, yet out of those in the final year of their contracts, the skipper is the only one who has publicly admitted that renewal talks are underway. And another thing...
Scroll back up on Alexander-Arnold’s Instagram profile and the last image he has posted is one of him embracing Liverpool hero Xabi Alonso amid Bayer Leverkusen's visit to Anfield this month. Pictures can speak a thousand words and the defender chose not to caption his post.
The England star has also yet to post an image of new boss Arne Slot. To be clear, this is far from any inference that he does not get on with the Dutchman or that he is sending any kind of message to Alonso aside from one of adoration.
But recent reports about the Leverkusen head coach only increases the enticement for a potential move to Spain. Carlo Ancelotti is widely expected to leave Madrid next summer after a stuttering start to the season - apparently his treble is so last season.
Meanwhile, Alonso has been tipped to leave Leverkusen next summer. The dots connect themselves. Furthermore, Real are needing a freshen up at right-back with Dani Carvajal now 32 and back-up Lucas Vazquez, 33, and both currently on the treatment table.
The rest of the team is relatively young. Out of the front six that beat Osasuna 4-0 before the intentional break, Federico Valverde was the oldest at 26. Los Blancos are looking to bring their ageing defence in line with the rest of the side and Alexander-Arnold fits the bill.
Jamie Carragher has warned him that he could face heavy backlash should he leave given his local roots and rise. And there is still a sense that sentimentality might win out in the end.
This might be more based on hope than anything else. The reality is that Madrid will likely come calling next year if a new deal is not signed before January, from which point overseas clubs can speak to Alexander-Arnold regarding a move.
There is no danger of him leaving mid-season, the player himself confirming he wants to see the campaign through. But the links with Real are very real and Alonso’s appointment would only create a deeper lure.
The truth is Liverpool might ultimately not be spared of his exit and reconnection with Bellingham. Cue the Instagram likes.
