As the winter transfer window is already underway in Europe, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s name is being linked with a potential move to Real Madrid. Targeted to strengthen the right side of Carlo Ancelotti’s defence, the English player has posted impressive stats in recent weeks.
Real Madrid continue to go to great lengths to bolster their squad for the next season. While the team is currently competing in multiple tournaments and the players are focused on the task at hand — performing on the pitch — the club’s management is carefully considering potential recruits from afar. In recent months, the names of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies have been the most mentioned to reinforce Madrid’s defence. In fact, the hottest case is that of Liverpool’s English full-back, who is reportedly targeted for a January arrival if the Reds’ management accept Florentino Pérez’s €20 million offer.
Alexander-Arnold’s recent catastrophic performances
If Liverpool’s management reject the offer (which is highly likely), the 26-year-old full-back, who is out of contract, could join Madrid on a free transfer next June. While negotiations for these deals are ongoing, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation should concern Madrid’s leadership. Indeed, while the player is expected to take charge of the right-back position, which is currently underwhelmingly occupied by Lucas Vázquez, doubts remain. Although outstanding offensively, Alexander-Arnold is far from convincing defensively.
As some Liverpool legends have highlighted for months, the English international fails to put in the effort necessary to improve his defensive game. And to prove their point, Sunday’s Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United came along. Once again starting on the right flank, Trent Alexander-Arnold committed glaring errors. Lacklustre in attitude, he was largely responsible for Manchester United’s opening goal and was at fault again for the equaliser. According to Sky Sports statistics, the 26-year-old lost possession 27 times during this derby.
Offensively, too, Alexander-Arnold contributed very little, as lamented by the British press. Statistics show that the right-back is among the players who have lost the most balls this season in the Premier League. “Let’s hope for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sake that Real Madrid didn’t watch his match against Manchester United,” remarked Jamie Carragher, a Reds legend, after the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Why Real Madrid should look elsewhere
Currently, with Lucas Vázquez’s performances — not flawless defensively but commendable due to his hard work and determination — it would be unwise for Real Madrid to sign an Alexander-Arnold who falls far short of the defensive standards required. Even if he arrives on a free transfer at the end of the season, Florentino Pérez would still need to pay a hefty signing bonus and a star-level salary for the English player, representing a massive investment.
Given that Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid’s best right-back in recent years, is expected to return to competition next season, Madrid’s management should seek alternative profiles to secure the necessary defensive solidity. For years, Real Madrid’s success has been built on a strong defensive foundation. In this context, signing players who provide no defensive assurance would be a mistake. Although Alexander-Arnold has been one of the most prominent players in his position in recent years, he excels far more in attack than in defence.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are not struggling offensively. With a solid defensive base, as Dani Carvajal has historically provided, the midfielders and attackers do what it takes to score goals. In any case, if even Liverpool legends are suggesting their player might not be a good fit for Madrid based on his recent performances, the club should think twice before finalising this deal, which has been rumoured as nearly done.
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