If Trent-Alexander-Arnold decides to leave his beloved Liverpool for Real Madrid, money won't be the deciding factor. The local lad began his journey with the Reds at just six years old and quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his versatility, becoming a key player in Jurgen Klopp's Premier League and Champions League-winning side.
Now 26, Alexander-Arnold is one of three first-team stars, along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose contracts are up this year. However, unlike his team-mates, it's clear that Real Madrid have set their sights on him.
They've been courting the Englishman for some time now and have even submitted a bid. Despite Liverpool's counter-contract-offer, it seems that if Alexander-Arnold does decide to leave, it won't be because he was chasing a bigger payday.
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On New Year's Eve, it was reported that Real had finally put their admiration into action, offering Arne Slot's side £20million for Alexander-Arnold. They're hoping to secure a bargain deal for the defender, who they've been linked with signing on a free transfer in the summer.
Liverpool quickly rejected this bid, however, seeing it as an insult. In response, the Reds proposed a £78m mega-deal over five years to Alexander-Arnold, offering him the opportunity to establish himself as one of Anfield's all-time greats, reports the Mirror.
However, Real Madrid had already put forward a similar £300,000-a-week deal, indicating that wherever Alexander-Arnold chooses to go, his decision won't be influenced by salary. The England defender is thought to currently earn around £180k-a-week, which amounts to £46.8m over five years, so Liverpool have demonstrated their faith with this offer.
Regardless of where he ends up, the defender's earnings will almost double. Yet, Real Madrid's characteristic large signing bonus – made possible because they wouldn't have to pay a transfer fee for Alexander-Arnold – could also be a factor in his decision.
As this saga continues, questions have been raised about Alexander-Arnold's commitment following his performance in Liverpool's disappointing 2-2 home draw against arch-rivals Manchester United. Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane even suggested that a move to League Two's Tranmere Rovers would be more suitable for the defender.
Team-mate Van Dijk, whose uncertain future is also causing problems for FSG behind the scenes, further appeared visibly frustrated with Alexander-Arnold during the match, shouting at his peer several times after a series of mistakes.
Perhaps a more familiar face, England team-mate Jude Bellingham – who has been credited with persuading his friend to join him in the Spanish capital this year – could be what Alexander-Arnold desires. Ultimately, he has a decision to make, and it needs to be made quickly.
With the wages in both Liverpool and Madrid almost identical – and a likely more attractive signing bonus in Spain – he must stop sitting on the fence. Otherwise, it could lead to more disappointing performances and even jeopardise Liverpool's pursuit of the Premier League title.
