'The only exception' - Gary Lineker makes worrying Trent Alexander-Arnold claim amid Liverpool talks
Gary Lineker believes Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid makes "a lot of sense". And the former Everton and Barcelona striker says that the Reds' vice-captain will find it hard to turn down a move from Anfield to the Bernabeu.
Alexander-Arnold's contract expires in the summer and, having so far failed to sign fresh terms with Liverpool, he can negotiate with foreign clubs from January 1.
The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Madrid, with Spanish newspapers even claiming last week that a deal was all but done for the defender to join Carlo Ancelotti's team. Liverpool sources denied that Alexander-Arnold had given the club any indication that he has decided his future and insist negotiations are continuing in the hope he commits to his boyhood club.
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However Lineker, speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, now believes a move to Madrid is "highly likely" and says Alexander-Arnold would thrive in the Spanish capital.
He said: “It seems to make a lot of sense to me. Free transfer is how Real Madrid have done things recently.
“He [Trent] is really close to Jude Bellingham and would fit in there beautifully. He would be a massive success. They wouldn’t focus on his defending critically as we do here – overly in my opinion. It’s a great fit and would be a huge loss for Liverpool, but they have a youngster coming through [Conor Bradley] who has done really well.
“I think it is highly likely that will happen, although I have no inside information whatsoever.”
He added: "How do you say no to Real Madrid?” Liverpool is an incredible football club, but a fresh challenge, playing abroad, I did it myself.
“Playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is truly special. However strong and powerful and rich the Premier League is, the world’s greats still go to Barcelona and Real Madrid. The only exception in recent times is [Erling] Haaland. That aside, they go there.
“He [Alexander-Arnold] will love it there. It will be amazing. They’ll worship and appreciate his passing range. He is in the prime of his career. I wouldn’t begrudge him.”
