Although everything seemed to be on track for Trent Alexander-Arnold to end up joining Real Madrid, FC Barcelona has forcefully entered the race for the English international. The Liverpool full-back, whose contract ends in June 2025, still hasn't renewed with the Reds. For months, it has been assumed that the white club has a closed agreement with the player to incorporate him as a free agent.
In the last few hours, the operation may have taken a very unexpected turn, silently and cautiously, Joan Laporta and Deco have activated their machinery with a dual objective. To sign one of the most talented full-backs in European soccer or, at least, seriously hinder his arrival at Santiago Bernabéu. A footballer that Real Madrid had very advanced and who may fall off their list.
Liverpool, aware that they run a serious risk of losing one of their great figures without receiving a single euro, has intensified their contacts seeking to retain him. However, the footballer hasn't accepted the proposed conditions and continues to reject every offer he receives from Anfield. The situation has caused uncertainty in the English club's environment, which is beginning to assume that his cycle may be coming to an end.
Barça Go for Arnold
This circumstance has been taken advantage of by FC Barcelona, which has initiated discreet moves to know firsthand the player's will and explore a possible zero-cost signing. From the Catalan city, they are clear that competing with Real Madrid's economic muscle is not an easy task. However, in the offices of Camp Nou, they trust in two key factors: the admiration that Trent Alexander-Arnold feels for the blaugrana play style and for the Catalan city.
As has recently emerged, the English footballer, who has always valued Barça's playing philosophy, keeps a very close relationship with some of the blaugrana players. These ties, added to the generational change taking place in the team, could decisively influence his final choice. Something that has Real Madrid very alert, fearing that a very dangerous situation for their interests could arise.
Florentino Gets Angry
In Valdebebas, they didn't expect FC Barcelona to enter the scene with such determination. The white club considers Alexander-Arnold a strategic piece for the future. With Dani Carvajal entering the final stretch of his career, Florentino Pérez wanted to close the arrival of the Briton as soon as possible.
In fact, a silent operation has been worked on for months, without leaks, which was on track to be closed in the coming months. However, Barça's appearance complicates the scenario and forces Real Madrid to move more quickly if they want to secure his signing. Additionally, it is not ruled out that the player's environment is using the blaugrana interest as a pressure tool to obtain better economic conditions.
These types of movements are common in major transfers and, in this case, directly benefit the footballer. However, at Barça, they insist that their interest in him is real and that they are willing to make an economic effort within their possibilities to convince the defender. Joan Laporta knows that a coup like this could be key to strengthening his sports project and striking Real Madrid.