Trent Alexander-Arnold can't turn down Real Madrid - and I don't think anyone would complain

Liverpool should prioritise a new contract for Trent Alexander-Arnold over Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, according to former defender Glen Johnson. But the ex-Reds star has claimed there should be few complaints if the vice-captain opts to join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer.

Despite all three remaining vitally important to the cause at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk are all inside the final months of their respective deals and can speak to clubs outside of England about pre-contract terms from January 1.

England international Alexander-Arnold has been repeatedly linked with a switch to Real Madrid next summer, with influential Spanish publication Marca claiming this week that the Champions League holders have made the right-back a priority for the 25/26 campaign in La Liga.

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Johnson thinks Liverpool need to start with Alexander-Arnold over captain Van Dijk and top scorer Salah when it comes to their renewal strategy but admits it might be difficult for the No.66 to turn down the opportunity to move to the 15-time European Cup winners.

"We don't know the terms that Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah are looking for," Johnson told Genting Casino. "I think if its something sensible, within Liverpool’s budget, then the club will try its best to keep both players.

"It’s hard to say whether or not Liverpool should meet their demands because only they know what those demands are. Talks are ongoing.

"I hope that they can sign new contracts. It would be very sensible business to keep both of them if the deals were right. They’ve both proven that they still have so much to offer Liverpool football club by their form this season.

"If I had to pick a contract to renew as a priority in the cases of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, then Trent is who I’d go for, mainly because of his age. They're all world-class players, but Trent is the younger man, and he could feasibly be playing in the Liverpool first team for another six, seven years. Mo and Virgil, as good as they are, aren’t going to be able to do that.

"Of course, there are rumours about Real Madrid wanting to sign Trent and I don’t expect those to go away. Real Madrid are a big, iconic club. Most players might not say it, but nearly everyone wants to play for Real Madrid.

"If Madrid wanted him, I think it would be a deal that he couldn't turn down. He’s been so successful at Liverpool and won every trophy that you would want to win as a player with his boyhood club.

"If he did decide to go, it’s not like he would be leaving on bad terms. I don’t think anyone would complain or begrudge him a move to Madrid because when Real Madrid come calling with a free transfer, it's hard for any player (to turn that down)."