LAURA WOODS posits that Trent Alexander-Arnold may be on the verge of a transfer to Real Madrid.

Nevertheless, she argues that Liverpool shouldn’t panic, even if they lose their homegrown star.

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Alexander-Arnold, aged 26, is nearing the end of his current contract with Liverpool.

Starting January 1, he becomes eligible to engage in talks with European clubs and can sign a pre-contract for a summer transfer.

The ongoing interest from Real Madrid in right-back Alexander-Arnold is not a new occurrence, with the allure of the Bernabeu being historically hard to resist.

Los Blancos had indicated readiness to offer £20 million to acquire the Liverpool local favorite this month.

Should Alexander-Arnold complete a major transfer to Madrid, he stands to potentially earn a substantial £100 million payday with boosted wages and a lucrative signing bonus.

Nonetheless, broadcaster Woods asserts that the exit of their creative star may not be as detrimental for Liverpool as some supporters might worry.

This is attributed to the rise of a ready-made replacement, another product of their academy.

The TNT host remarked: “I think Trent Alexander-Arnold could end up at Real Madrid, and I wouldn’t hold it against him. He’s young, extremely gifted, and has a wealth of potential ahead of him.

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“Few would refuse an offer from Real, and with good reason.

“Liverpool can manage without his services because of the ascendance of Conor Bradley, but that’s not a decision they should make lightly.

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“He’s an academy product, beloved by fans, and has been part of all the triumphs during Liverpool’s recent successes under Jurgen Klopp.

“If they choose to let him go, it should be done reluctantly.”

Alexander-Arnold has earned acclaim as one of the leading attacking full-backs, known for his extraordinary crossing and passing skills.

However, concerns about his defensive capabilities have surfaced over the years.

Despite logging 809 more minutes than Bradley in the 2024 calendar year, their statistics show marginal differences.

In fact, Bradley surpassed him in assists, completed dribbles, and duels won – nearly doubling the number of touches in the opponent’s penalty area.

The 21-year-old Northern Irishman assisted Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal in the unforgettable 2-0 Champions League triumph over Real Madrid before suffering a hamstring injury.

Woods notes that Bradley’s capability to assume Alexander-Arnold’s role amplifies the urgency for Liverpool to secure agreements with two other key players whose contracts are set to expire this summer.

She elaborated to BetMGM: “I firmly believe that Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk should be prioritized among the trio.

“They are vital to Liverpool. Their presence embodies the club’s spirit, and losing one of them would have a more significant effect on the team than losing Trent.

“It’s remarkable that the club has allowed three pivotal players’ contracts to dwindle under these circumstances.

“Despite assurances that it doesn’t disrupt their teammates, this uncertainty will surely impact the fans and dominate conversations during a season that should focus on their triumphs.”

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