Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has a crunch decision to make about his future at the club in the coming months.
The Reds academy product has developed into one of the world's best right-backs over the past season, but his next step is unclear.
As he enters the final year of his contract at Anfield, his options center on signing an extension, or accept a new challenge, most likely to Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have earmarked him as a long-term option on the right side of defense with his all-round skills only partially unleashed in the Premier League.
His assist count and random creation from the right led to calls that he should be used further despite the doubts about that of the former boss. Jurgen Klopp.
In 2023/24, Klopp seemed to reach an ideal balance, with Trent moving into a “quarter back” midfield role with Liverpool in possession, and going back to the right when the ball was turned over.
However, much of that strategy has come down to Klopp's tactical nous, and new boss Arne Slot prefers a more orthodox return, with Ireland international Conor Bradley mooted as the most natural fit.
Trent will play a key role for Liverpool this season, but if he is not convinced by Slot or is unable to play a more natural role, his mind could be made up by Bradley's progress.
A greater flexibility to Real Madrid it would be a factor of attraction for Trent, since the quality around him would allow more focus on what he offers in a positive sense, as opposed to his weaknesses.
Real Madrid will monitor the situation with interest in the coming months, with a firm call-up expected anyway at the start of 2025, but the Spanish champions will not pay a transfer fee for him under any circumstances.
