Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to remain at Liverpool regardless of Real Madrid’s offer, provided a specific condition is met.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain, but a former player believes one key factor could significantly impact his decision.

The 26-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 season, is reportedly admired by Real Madrid. While Alexander-Arnold has won numerous trophies with his boyhood club, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, he will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1, 2025, if no extension is agreed upon. Without a new deal, Liverpool risks losing him for free, though a transfer fee could still be secured if he departs before his contract runs out.

This season, Alexander-Arnold has been vital to Liverpool’s success under Arne Slot, featuring in 18 games as the team leads the Premier League and progresses through the Champions League group stage. Former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson, however, believes the Premier League title could play a decisive role in his future.

“If Liverpool win the Premier League, I think Trent will stay,” Johnson told Betfred. “I don’t think he wants to leave, and I don’t think Liverpool want him to leave. But the longer this drags on, the less likely he is to stay. He’ll either be at Liverpool or Real Madrid next season. No other club can compete with those two. If Liverpool win the league, I believe he’ll remain.”

For Liverpool fans, this will be welcome news, as replacing Alexander-Arnold would be both challenging and costly. Fenway Sports Group (FSG) is unlikely to spend £100 million on a new right-back, and while Conor Bradley could be an internal option, additional reinforcements would likely be needed.

Alexander-Arnold’s situation is similar to that of teammates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, whose contracts also expire at the end of the current

campaign.