Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Trent Alexander-Arnold's future is "up for debate" .
The Reds full-back is out of contract next summer and has been linked with a move to join England international team-mate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. The pair were spotted partying in LA this summer following the European Championships and are good friends.
While alarm bells around Anfield are ringing when it comes to Alexander-Arnold's contract situation, Liverpool will do everything in their power to convince the 25-year-old to ink a new long-term deal on Merseyside, which would likely see him get a bumper pay rise. The Reds star is Liverpool's vice-captain and, if he stays, will be the next club captain when 33-year-old Virgil van Dijk does eventually move on.
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However, when Real Madrid come calling, they usually get their man. While Liverpool can pull on Alexander-Arnold's heartstrings, Real Madrid are the biggest club in the world and have just bolstered their forward line with the signings of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick this summer.
With his contract up in 2025, Alexander-Arnold will never be in a stronger negotiating position than he is now. In just five months time, he will be able to negotiate freely with any club he wishes. Should he opt to depart Liverpool come next summer, he will likely pocket a huge free-agent signing on fee with Real Madrid not having to pay the Reds for Alexander-Arnold's services.
But despite the rumours of a potential exit for Alexander-Arnold, ex-Liverpool defender Carragher has always believed the former would stay at Liverpool - in part due to being a local player.
“I've always believed he would stay. It's up for debate," Carragher told SPORTbible . "He's going to be the next captain. He's a local lad. I always think you have that greater affinity when you're a local player. I certainly did, Steven Gerrard didn't go to Real Madrid or Chelsea because it was Liverpool.
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"You've got to remember Real Madrid have got a decent right-back, he's just won the Euros, and I think he's won the European Cup about six times. He's not a dud. My fear is that Real Madrid are thinking of signing him in another year's time because I don't think they're ready to offload [Dani] Carvajal just yet. Maybe in a year's time - who knows?
"I think it's all negotiation. With Jude [Bellingham], signing a Real Madrid top or whatever. I think it's all part of the game. I didn't play these games and I actually think I should have done, I'd have probably got a bit more money out of it! I only used to go in, have a chat, say what I wanted, Liverpool would say what they wanted and we'd meet in the middle. I wish I would have been putting all this stuff out myself! I'm sure it'll get sorted out."
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool supporters should be nervous about interest from Real Madrid over Trent Alexander-Arnold. They are the biggest club in the world and if Liverpool do not hit the ground running under Arne Slot this term, the 25-year-old might begin to see his future away from Anfield.
Yes, Liverpool are the club Alexander-Arnold holds closest to his heart. But a professional career is short and Alexander-Arnold will likely have two, potentially three, big contracts left in him. Liverpool must do all they can to convince him that his future is on Merseyside otherwise they will lose him on a free next summer.
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