Real Madrid’s secret transfer weapon

Robin Bairner

4 Oct 2024 14:00 BST
3 min read

Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Real Madrid are set to leverage Jude Bellingham’s relationship with Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in order to land the England right-back.

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Reports in Spain suggest that Los Blancos are on track to sign Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich, and with this in mind they are now focusing on signing Alexander-Arnold from the Anfield club.

Like Davies, Alexander-Arnold will be a free agent next summer, meaning that Real Madrid could land two world-class full-backs for no transfer fee – just as they signed Kylian Mbappe from PSG in a similar fashion.

Relevo reports that Real Madrid are seeking to use Bellingham’s friendship with Alexander-Arnold to bring the 25-year-old to the Bernabeu.

“They have a very close bond from the youth ranks of the English national team and have even shared holidays,” it is stated.

Current ETV

Trent Alexander-Arnold

D (R)

Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold

D (R)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€21.1M - €35.1M

Alexander-Arnold a ‘market opportunity

While Real Madrid’s transfers in recent seasons have recently been geared towards making decisions for the future, this deal is considered to be a “market opportunity”.

What this means is that Alexander-Arnold is not a player who Carlo Ancelotti’s side see as a player who was part of their long-term strategic plan but is instead someone who has become available at a price that is too good to ignore.

© IMAGO - Trent Alexander-Arnold: too good for Real Madrid to ignore

Alexander-Arnold’s status at Liverpool is growing increasingly vulnerable.

Relevo adds on this point: “For the moment, Alexander-Arnold has not responded to any of the renewal offers. The last one was recent. Right now, everything is open.”

His case will be particularly problematic for Arne Slot’s side, who also have Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk out of contract next summer.

As such, Liverpool could lose three of their recent stalwarts for nothing, with Real Madrid lining themselves up as major benefactors should Alexander-Arnold choose to leave Anfield. They have launched agent Bellingham to ensure this is the case.