Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘to quit Liverpool and then make stunning return’
Trent Alexander-Arnold is now expected to leave Liverpool and join Real Madrid at the end of the season after months of speculation.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the move is a “no-brainer” both for Los Blancos and Alexander-Arnold.
It was explained that the 26-year-old could aim to make the move to Madrid for free, but will still have time to return in the latter stages of his career.
Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the season, and Real Madrid have been pushing to sign the Liverpool star for months under the instruction of Carlo Ancelotti.
The right-back’s potential departure has now been compared to that of Michael Owen, who recently explained [via the Telegraph] he had planned to return to Liverpool after leaving for Madrid.
While Owen’s career path didn’t pan out as expected, Brown has explained Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool with the same intention in mind.
At 26 years old, he would have time to go to Madrid and achieve the next steps in his career, before returning and eventually finishing his career at Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold to return to Liverpool after Real Madrid move
Brown previously told Football Insider that Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool future will be decided at the end of the season as the Reds aim to lift the Premier League and Champions League.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the most likely outcome is still that he makes the move to Madrid.
“I expect he’ll be the one of the three to move on,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s young enough to do a Michael Owen and think he’ll come back in a couple of years’ time.
“If he makes the move to Real Madrid, he’s going to be able to play his game without too much defensive expectation – certainly less than there is at Liverpool.
“Against most opposition in Spain, it’s not going to be an issue for him.
“The defensive side of his game is a risk, but it’s a risk for Real Madrid that’s worth taking.
“Plus, getting him on a free means in a couple of years if he wants to move on, they can make a profit.
“It’s obviously going to be a major decision for him and for his career.
“But for Real Madrid it’s a no-brainer, and I think it’ll be a no-brainer for him.
“It’s a move that would improve his status immediately and he wouldn’t be losing anything from it, and then if he wants to come back that move could be on.
“It’s possible he goes to Madrid, stays there and wins whatever they can win, and then eventually comes back to finish his career at Liverpool.”
Arne Slot planning to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton
Amid ongoing speculation about the futures of Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot is preparing for a busy summer window.
Outgoings are not the only issue on his radar, however, as Liverpool aim to strengthen their squad off the back of what has been an impressive first season for the new boss.
A new central midfielder has emerged as a key target, and Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool want to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
The Reds are believed to be willing to spend “mega money” on the 21-year-old who has impressed in Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side this season.
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