Liverpool fans have been left stunned by reports of how much Real Madrid are willing to pay for Trent Alexander-Arnold this January.
The 26-year-old’s contract with Liverpool expires in June, and the Bernabeu now seems his most likely destination. According to The Athletic, Real Madrid submitted an offer on New Year’s Eve to secure Alexander-Arnold’s services this month.
With their starting right-back, Dani Carvajal, ruled out for the season due to an ACL injury, and concerns about 33-year-old Lucas Vázquez’s ability to provide consistent cover, Real Madrid are keen to bolster their defense.
However, Liverpool have responded firmly, with The Times journalist Paul Joyce reporting that the club has emphatically rejected the bid. Unless Alexander-Arnold agrees to a new contract, he could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
New details reveal that Real Madrid have allocated around £20 million, according to The Times, to buy out the final six months of Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract, allowing him to join the reigning Champions League holders immediately. While this fee is far lower than Liverpool would hope for if he were under a long-term deal, it is significant for a player nearing the end of his contract—especially since Real could agree to a pre-contract with him now.
Liverpool fans, however, are unimpressed. Many believe the proposed fee is insufficient. One fan remarked, “Selling Trent for £20m is basically letting him go for free.” Another added, “Even if they offer £100m, we won’t release him.” A third commented, “We have a title to win. I wouldn’t sell Endo for £20m, let alone Trent.” A fourth argued, “If FSG won’t reinvest the fee to replace Trent, what’s the point? Keeping him for the rest of the season and chasing trophies is worth far more than £20 million.”