Why Real Madrid want Trent Alexander-Arnold – and what he would bring to Carlo Ancelotti’s side
It wouldn’t be the start of a new year without rumblings of the next galactico. Tempting Alexander-Arnold away from his boyhood club, and one of the giants of English football, would be another emphatic statement of Madrid’s global power and appeal, strengthening their brand while adding another world-class player to their ranks. It would also, like the signings of Thibaut Courtois, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Mbappe, be another deal in which Madrid made their move when the players’ contracts were reaching their final years. At right-back, or even in a situational midfield role, this is what Alexander-Arnold could bring to Carlo Ancelotti’s side… Away from the obvious significance of a deal for one of the world’s best players, the signing of Alexander-Arnold would represent the first marquee addition to Madrid’s back four in quite some time. Last season saw the right-back take on the role of chief playmaker in Jurgen Klopp’s final term at Anfield, frequently dropping between the centre-backs or drifting into midfield to dictate proceedings from central areas, as shown below against Fulham… “Before taking this on, I was only ever really able to break lines on the right side of the pitch,” Alexander-Arnold told The Athletic in May 2023.
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