- 22 hours ago
Yamal BLOCKS major Alexander-Arnold deal
Barcelona have reportedly decided against signing Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in order to prioritise the development of Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Alexander-Arnold is set to become a free agent when his current contract at Anfield expires next summer and he is expected to leave his boyhood club rather than sign a new deal.
Real Madrid are the frontrunners to land the England international as they continue to search for Dani Carvajal’s long-term heir, but Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for the 26-year-old.
READ MORE: The MASSIVE cost of Liverpool transfer DOOMSDAY revealed
However, the Blaugrana will not sign Alexander-Arnold in 2025, according to reports in Spain.
The Camp Nou giants have been heavily linked with a new right-back amid Jules Kounde’s uncertain future at the club, but they are eager to retain faith in the France international due to the protection he provides Yamal.
The 17-year-old has flourished since his breakthrough into Barcelona’s senior side and the club want to prioritise his development to ensure he reaches his potential.
Alexander-Arnold, however, is reportedly viewed as a defensive liability, with Barca believing he wouldn’t allow Yamal the platform to shine. As a result, they have reportedly ended their pursuit of the Liverpool star, giving Real Madrid a free run to sign him.
READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid ‘the worst kept secret in the world’
Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid?
While Barcelona are now extremely unlikely to sign Alexander-Arnold, Jamie Carragher believes the Liverpool academy graduate is almost destined to join Real Madrid.
Speaking to Sky Sports after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, he said: “My first thought when I saw that is you're not going to win the Ballon d'Or as a right-back for Liverpool.
“Ballon d'Or winners normally play for Real Madrid or Barcelona. That's where the best players in the world go.
“If that is his ultimate ambition - I think he was asked about winning the Champions League, the World Cup or the Ballon d'Or and he went for the Ballon d'Or - which I think is a bit strange or bizarre because it is a team game, but he has got massive ambitions and why not? You've only got one career, he's a unique full back and he's absolutely amazing.
“But the first thing that came to me when I read that interview is that it makes me think he is going to Real Madrid.
“I actually think Virgil Van Dijk and Mo Salah will stay. I do believe that, but the longer it goes on with Trent, the more I feel he is going to leave.”