Ex-Liverpool star explains why Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave as his replacement named

Mark Lawrenson can’t see Trent Alexander-Arnold turning down the opportunity of joining Real Madrid, with the former Liverpool defender listing four reasons why

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes all indications point to Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid.

The Reds have left themselves in the vulnerable position of having the contracts of Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah all expiring next summer. Losing any of them on a free transfer would be a major blow.

There might be slightly more acceptance if it were to be Van Dijk, 33, or Salah, 32, who depart given their age, although both still appear to be at the top of their game. Local lad Alexander-Arnold, though, is very much in his prime years at 26.

He’s been heavily linked with Real Madrid, who are reportedly interested in signing him as a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal. And Lawrenson thinks the pull of the Spanish giants could be too strong for him to resist.

“I can see Trent Alexander-Arnold going to Real Madrid,” he told Paddy Power. Going on to list the reasons why, the 67-year-old continued: “He’s an intelligent boy and I think he’s looking at it thinking that he’s won everything he can at Liverpool.

“And his best mate Jude Bellingham plays for Madrid who generally win the Champions League every year. With Trent, he’d pick up the language quickly and he’s earned the right to go and do what he wants to do.

“Nearly all the players that have left [Liverpool] and run their contracts down haven’t done all that much – barring Luis Suarez. Is Trent replaceable? Of course, he is.

“If he wants to go play in Spain, then good luck to him. He’s in a great position because he’s been put in a situation where he can do what he wants. How good is that?”

Alexander-Arnold has remain tight-lipped on his future but may have offered a hint to his intentions this week. In an interview with Sky Sports, he picked winning the Ballon d’Or as his biggest career goal – an achievement he’d likely be better positioned to complete at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He also picked fellow Reds right-back Conor Bradley as the club’s biggest young talent, backing his ability to replace him in the side. “I like to play 90 minutes but I know how good he is and I trust in him to get the job done and to help the team win the game,” Alexander-Arnold said.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.