Liverpool legend makes HUGE career decision amid Real Madrid, Barcelona links
Tom Weber
- Updated: 18 Sep 2023 12:13 CDT
- 3 min read
Liverpool and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold are closing in on an agreement over a new contract, according to a report.
Despite his much-publicised defensive shortcomings, the Reds' homegrown hero is as important as ever to Jurgen Klopp's side and the German manager underlined this importance by handing the 24-year-old the vice-captaincy ahead of the current campaign.
Alexander-Arnold's creativity and passing ability make him one of Liverpool's most useful assets and he was sorely missed in the Anfield club's come-from-behind victory over Wolves at the weekend.
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With two years left to run on his current deal, Klopp and company are keen to tie the local boy down to a new contract and significant progress is being made on that front, according to 90min.
New deal to fend off interest
"Liverpool are looking to finalise terms with vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold over a new long-term contract," the report claims. The new deal will see the right-back become one of the club's highest earners.
More so than just a reward for his performances since being allowed to venture into midfield, the contract extension is also set to be completed with a view to fending off interest from some of the world's biggest hitters.
READ: Liverpool dealt MAJOR BLOW in pursuit of Mohamed Salah's replacement
According to the above-mentioned report, El Clasico behemoths Barcelona and Real Madrid have an 'active interest' in Alexander-Arnold. Real are looking at a potential long-term replacement for veteran full-back Dani Carvajal, while the right-back position has long since been an area of concern for Xavi in Catalonia.
Joao Cancelo is 29 and only loaned out from Manchester City so it is understandable that Barcelona would look at younger options but even if their interest were to become more concrete, Alexander-Arnold would likely be outside of their price range given their financial struggles.
The Reds are hoping to finalise the agreement with their vice-captain before Christmas, while backup left-back Kostas Tsimikas is also set to commit his future to the Merseyside giants shortly.
