Trent Alexander-Arnold has allegedly not told Liverpool that he wants to join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer despite strong reports coming out of Spain on Saturday.
Marca claim that Alexander-Arnold has already made a decision regarding his future, with the England international allegedly telling Real Madrid that he is planning to join them on a free transfer at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
However, according to the Liverpool Echo, that is not the case, with the right-back not communicating to Liverpool that he has decided to end his long association with the Reds in order to join the reigning European and Spanish champions.
From January 1, the 26-year-old would be free to enter into talks with Real Madrid over the possibility of signing a pre-contract, which would see him move to Bernabeu next summer.
Alexander-Arnold has again been a vital player for Liverpool this season, providing five assists in 22 appearances, but his future at Anfield is unclear due to his contract situation.
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Alexander-Arnold 'yet to inform Liverpool of decision over future'
In September, Alexander-Arnold said: "I have always said I want to captain the club, that is an aim of mine and a goal of mine, (but) whether that happens is out of my hands.
"Look, I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public. And this one won't be either. I want to be a Liverpool player this season (as a minimum) is what I will say."
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also out of contract next summer, with Liverpool facing the prospect of losing three huge players ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
"In general, I don't talk about contract situations here," Liverpool boss Arne Slot told reporters in his last press conference. "It would be a surprise I was the one to announce that one of them has extended. Keep asking, that's your job, but you're probably not going to get an answer from me.
"It's clear that from 1 January, maybe for you guys, things change a lot, but they are in constant talks with the club and let's wait and see what happens. As long as they keep performing like this, the head coach is happy."
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Will Alexander-Arnold stay at Liverpool?
The situation remains open, and it will be fascinating to see how it develops in the coming weeks.
A new deal is not thought to be imminent, with Alexander-Arnold seriously considering making the move to Real Madrid, where he would join his close friend Jude Bellingham at Bernabeu.
The situation can almost be described at 50/50 at this moment in time, as Real Madrid are an incredibly difficult club to turn down, and after almost 10 years in the Liverpool first team, Alexander-Arnold may feel that it is now the time to try a new challenge.
Matt Law
