England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is still in talks with Liverpool to renew his contract. With Real Madrid in a tug-of-war that could still go either way, his departure is being closely watched.
The team’s vice-captain is a Liverpool-born local player who the club definitely does not want to let go.
Negotiations could drag on until the end of the season, but manager Rafa Benitez, who once won the Champions League with Liverpool, has said that Real Madrid would suit his attacking style of play.
“He’s an offensive defender and he’s playing as a midfielder sometimes,”
“Real Madrid is an attacking team, the best team in Spain and they will be the best team because they have the potential.”
“For an offensive defender in an offensive team, you have more chances to make assists and create situations in attack – they will be good for him as a player.”
“He’s doing that at Liverpool but with Real Madrid, you can guarantee he will do that for years.”
“As a Liverpool fan, you would say him staying is much better because he gives us something special. But if he goes, and as a Real Madrid kid all my life, it will also be good for Real Madrid and for him.”
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The 26-year-old right-back is not the only one in the final year of his contract, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk also in the final year of their contracts.
The two veterans would prefer to stay at Anfield rather than move on, but have yet to come to terms on terms.
Benitez, who has also managed at Inter Milan and Real Madrid in addition to Liverpool, said it would be difficult to retain all three players, but also predicted that new players should be able to inject new energy to replace those who have left.
“It will not be easy to keep the three players, that is very clear,”
“The three are very important players but if the club is working on replacements, if the club is making the right approach to them, they will sort it out.”
“I don’t know if the three of them [will stay], I don’t think so.”
“If they cannot, I’m sure they will have a new option and the new player will come and will be another kind of player with energy and give something different.”
Sky Sports