Fabrizio Romano shares real reason why Real Madrid made Trent move now instead of a free transfer next summer

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future made all the headlines on New Year’s Eve thanks to Real Madrid.

The England international is yet to commit his future at Anfield. He has now officially entered the final six months of his contract and is free to negotiate terms with a foreign club.

TBR Football confirmed on New Year’s Eve that Real Madrid approached Liverpool to sign Alexander-Arnold in the January transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano has now explained why the Galacticos made that attempt instead of just agreeing a pre-contract with the defender over a free transfer next summer.

The real reason why Real Madrid made a January move for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool, unsurprisingly, turned down Real Madrid’s approach for Alexander-Arnold ahead of the turn of the new year.

The Reds are still locked in talks with the full-back over a new contract, and as things stand, the 26-year-old has not informed the club that he wants to leave.

A move away in January has been ruled out and Liverpool will do everything they possibly can to tie Alexander-Arnold to a new contract.

However, Real Madrid’s interest is huge for any player, and with the Galacticos now free to discuss a pre-contract with him, Liverpool’s chances don’t look good.

That has led to many wondering why the Spanish giants are ready to pay a transfer fee for Alexander-Arnold in January when they can land him for nothing next summer.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Romano has explained why: “Why are they (Real Madrid) doing this approach even if they knew that Liverpool were never going to open the doors for Trent in January to leave the club?

“Because – this is what some sources close to the negotiations believe – Real Madrid wanted to send a positive message to Liverpool. Something like: ‘We are showing our respect. We are willing to offer you money for the player in January rather than signing him on a free in the next weeks.’

“This is the message from Real Madrid. Very confident, very strong. But, Liverpool maintain their position – no chance to negotiate in January and they want to try and keep Trent at the club with a new contract. Liverpool know that it is not going to be easy, because Real Madrid are really pushing since March.

“But, the strategy of Real Madrid, according to those close to the negotiations, was to approach Liverpool to show them how they will really go strong for Trent, and they are willing to pay money now. Liverpool are saying no, Liverpool were never going to accept it.

“But, Real Madrid are now ready to enter into January and it is now officially the time to negotiate, because Real Madrid can do that. Trent is entering the final months of his contract.”

The 10 players who have played for both Liverpool and Real Madrid

It is looking more and more likely now that Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool next summer.

Romano claimed later in his video that the Galacticos are confident of landing the England international on a free transfer in 2025. If that happens, he won’t be the first player to play for both clubs.

10 players have played for both Liverpool and Real Madrid over the years.

If Alexander Arnold moves to Real Madrid in 2025, he will become just the third English player from Liverpool to play for both clubs.

Only time will tell if he will be as successful as Xabi Alonso was or struggle like Michael Owen did at the Santiago Bernabeu all those years ago.

As for Liverpool, they just have to keep trying to convince Alexander-Arnold to extend his stay at the club. They can’t do much else.