There is one story dominating the transfer gossip for Liverpool at the moment, and it’s not a story that fans will be happy to read.
After months of speculation, it does now look as though Trent Alexander-Arnold will be heading to Real Madrid. Various outlets ran with the story that it’s a done deal, and while others haven’t gone that far, it does look to be inevitable now.
The Liverpool vice-captain’s departure will be a big blow to Arne Slot, who will be hoping that there’s nothing worse waiting around the corner. That will depend on whether Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah can be tied down to new deals, and whether the Reds can get their hands on some new faces in the summer transfer window.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid may not be announced for a few weeks yet, with the Liverpool star reportedly having looked to delay the confirmation. According to talkSPORT, the 26-year-old didn’t want his potential transfer to become a distraction during the Reds’ title push, feeling he could end up taking the blame if the club’s form dipped.
While talkSPORT claims that terms have been agreed with Carlo Ancelotti’s side, The Athletic still states that personal terms are yet to be finalized, although Real is working on a deal to sign him.
Liverpool.com says: Well, you can probably announce it now Trent. There can’t be anyone left at this point who doesn’t think you’ll be heading to Madrid.
In fact, if he is going to leave Liverpool, he may as well announce it now. The Reds’ lead at the top of the Premier League means the title is surely on its way to Anfield, and confirming his departure after it’s done and dusted feels like it might take a bit of the gloss off the achievement. Let’s face it, we know it’s happening now.
Joao Pedro (Brighton)
Liverpool has made contact with the entourage of Brighton forward Joao Pedro, according to Caught Offside. The report claims the Brazilian could be available for around $54 million, which would make him a cheaper alternative to the likes of Alexander Isak and Julian Alvarez.
Competition is said to be increasing for Pedro though, with interest also coming from Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich and Manchester United. In order to gain an advantage, Liverpool is claimed to have already made initial contact with the player’s agent and started discussions over a potential summer transfer.
Liverpool.com says: Even with Alexander-Arnold’s impending exit, and Van Dijk and Salah’s futures still to be decided, Liverpool can’t take its eye off the ball for what is going to be a crucial summer. Upgrades are needed in various areas, especially up front, and while Pedro might be the Roberto Firmino-style forward the Reds would like, a more prolific goalscorer might be called for if Salah is to depart.
