Real Madrid blow! Trent Alexander-Arnold tipped to join Tranmere Rovers

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 5 Jan 2025 21:12 GMT
• 3 min read

Roy Keane has tipped Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Tranmere Rovers instead of Real Madrid following his performance against Manchester United on Sunday.

The England international was at fault for several key chances during the first 45 minutes at Anfield, with Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund both missing golden opportunities following positioning errors from the 26-year-old, and he gave away possession in the build-up to Lisandro Martinez's opener.

Diogo Dalot was easily able to bypass the Liverpool star on a number of occasions and he endured one of his worst afternoons since being promoted into the first-team by Jurgen Klopp.

READ MORE: Real Madrid plot new Alexander-Arnold offensive after Liverpool snub

Alexander-Arnold is widely expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, however Man Utd legend Keane believes his display versus Ruben Amorim’s side was a real concern.

“We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but Trent’s defending today, my goodness, it’s like schoolboy stuff,” Keane told Sky Sports during the half-time break.

“There’s talk about him going to Real Madrid. The way he’s defending, he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this! He’s got to do better.”

READ MORE: Alexander-Arnold issues Liverpool DEMANDS amid Real Madrid interest

Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid?

Real Madrid have identified Alexander-Arnold as their priority transfer target for 2025 as they search for a new right-back amid Dani Carvajal’s ACL injury.

Los Blancos formally approached Liverpool in a bid to sign the England international in January, but Arne Slot’s side swiftly rejected their advances and are unwilling to sanction a mid-season exit.

The Reds are keen to extend Alexander-Arnold’s contract at Anfield, however he appears destined to join England team-mate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid later this year.

When asked for an update on the defender’s Liverpool future ahead of his side’s clash against Man Utd, Slot told reporters: “I can tell you that he's playing on Sunday and hopefully he'll bring the same performances as he's brought in the last half year.

“I think everybody saw how great a first half of the season he had, how much he is here, how much he wants to win here.

“I see him on the training ground, working every day. He is fully committed to us and he will play on Sunday.”