Liverpool had two main reasons for rejecting Real Madrid’s interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold. First, they remain optimistic that the right-back will sign a new contract at Anfield, so they’re not keen on engaging in negotiations while talks with the player are still ongoing. The second, and more immediate, reason is that they need him for the remainder of the current season.
While Conor Bradley could be a viable replacement if Alexander-Arnold chooses to move to Spain in the summer, Liverpool’s current success under Arne Slot relies heavily on the England international at right-back, so there was no way they were going to jeopardize that.
Some might argue that selling him now would allow Liverpool to make some money, especially if he intends to leave when his contract expires. However, his future remains uncertain. Even if he does decide to depart, receiving £20 million this month wouldn’t be enough to replace him with a right-back of his caliber. Moreover, the potential rewards of winning the Premier League or the Champions League outweigh any financial gain from a mid-season sale.
Not only are there substantial financial incentives in terms of prize money, but the club would also benefit from increased revenue through merchandise, TV rights, and sponsorships. From a purely sporting standpoint, it would be reckless to sell a key player while the team is at the top of both English and European football, as well as competing in a Carabao Cup semi-final.
The only motivation for a sale would be to secure a transfer fee, but that would be a misguided decision to disrupt the team for a relatively small sum. This is why Liverpool firmly told Real Madrid that Alexander-Arnold is not for sale.
The club’s focus remains on winning trophies this season and securing a new contract for the player. They’re hopeful both objectives will be achieved. Real Madrid may need a right-back now, but they’ll have to wait until the summer to pursue Alexander-Arnold further. While they were entitled to make an offer, Liverpool’s response was predictable.
This move may have increased pressure on Alexander-Arnold to make a quicker decision about his future, but he doesn’t appear to be in any rush. Liverpool has made it clear they will stand firm, buying themselves time to negotiate a new deal with their star player. However, once the season ends, the decision about where he plays next will be out of their hands.
