Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is on the verge of making a career-defining decision, and those around him will undoubtedly aid his choice to either leave for Real Madrid or remain at Anfield
As Trent Alexander-Arnold prepares to choose between long-term hometown glory with Liverpool or a Galactico switch to Real Madrid, his inner circle will undoubtedly have some influence over his final call.
Since it became clear that the England star’s contract on Merseyside was continuing to be run down, and Los Blancos – in need of a right-back – put forward their offer and made a bid to sign him this month, Alexander-Arnold has been divided.
The 26-year-old, alongside fellow stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, remains uncertain over his Anfield future, and a £20million proposal was lodged by Carlo Ancelotti’s side on New Year’s Eve. Criticism is now being fired the way of the full-back after a disappointing derby day outing against Manchester United, as his commitment is questioned following a counter contract offer from the Reds themselves.
Whether it be remaining in red or jetting off to sunny Spain, it is ultimately Alexander-Arnold’s choice to make – though Mirror Football explores those who will attempt to offer some advice.
Brothers Marcell and Tyler
Alexander-Arnold’s siblings are set to play a role in their brother’s biggest decision to date – whether they intend to or not. Tyler doubles as the Englishman’s agent and is a director at agency PLG, meaning that whether the defender chooses to stay put or jump ship, he will oversee the deal.
Both brothers are incredibly close to the Liverpool ace and Alexander-Arnold’s outspoken admission to The Players Tribune indicates that both will have something to say to him regarding his potential move.
“As I got a bit older, and I moved up through the Liverpool academy, Tyler and Marcel willingly sacrificed their own dreams for mine,” stated Alexander-Arnold. “There were weekends when Mum couldn’t take my brothers to their matches because I had to be at the academy at a certain time — and it was always them who made the sacrifice.
“To this day, I’m so incredibly grateful to both of them. Every step I took, we took. Every cap I got, we got. Every experience I had, we had.”
Parents Michael and Dianne
Alexander-Arnold’s parents have played a pivotal role in his development thus far, driving him to games as a youngster and making sure his education wasn’t affected by football.
So, both will likely have a say should their son choose to leave his hometown side and be tempted by the offer put forward by European giants Real – especially father, Michael, who supposedly manages the defender via an investment fund based in London.
“My mum and dad always knew my dream was to be a footballer, but they warned me that it’s only one or two per cent who are lucky enough to see that come true,” said West Derby-born Alexander-Arnold in 2018. “They made sure I always had a backup plan. I passed all my GSCEs and would probably have gone to university if I hadn’t signed for Liverpool.
“When you’re growing up, you have dreams – and I am living that. You want to be playing for one of the best teams, you want to play for your country, you want to be experiencing special occasions. So far, I have been lucky. I have been given the opportunity to perform on the biggest stages, and I am grateful for that.”
Girlfriend Estelle Behnke
The English right-back was first reported to be dating influencer/model Behnke last year, and the two have enjoyed a series of romantic breaks together since.
Alexander-Arnold and his love interest were last snapped heading to Venice, though Behnke’s opinion on moving to the Spanish capital remains unclear – should that be her beau’s decision.
Regardless, the two promise to make a formidable power couple as their relationship grows, with a source exclusively telling the Mirror: “If things carry on, they’ll be the ultimate celebrity power couple. Estelle enjoys a glamorous modelling career, and Trent is one of the biggest names in world football. He’s in huge demand.
“He’s still only 26 and has the world at his feet,” they added, comparing the Englishman to another high-profile Real Madrid-mover. “They really could be the new Posh and Becks.”
Friend Jude Bellingham
Los Blancos superstar Jude Bellingham is a player many consider a formidable magnet, striving to lure his good friend Alexander-Arnold to La Liga.
The England pair have struck up a close bond whilst on international duty, and were seen swapping shirts after a Champions League tie between their two clubs.
Both have also embarked on several trips away together during the quiet summer months, and Bellingham, it is assumed, will have had chats with his friend over a possible move to Madrid.
“I’ll be playing alongside him next season for England anyway, so hopefully, that’ll be a guarantee,” is the only statement Bellingham has given away so far when asked about the prospect of Alexander-Arnold joining his side.
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