The destinies of Liverpool and Real Madrid seem to be closely linked this summer, with anticipated direct transfers between the clubs, particularly involving Trent Alexander-Arnold. Now, both European powerhouses are poised to compete for several high-profile transfer targets.
Alexander-Arnold appears to have one foot in Madrid already, as does former Reds midfield maestro Xabi Alonso. Currently at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen, he is set to take over at Real following Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as the new head coach of the Brazil national team.
Marca reports that Real already has its sights set on a few players to rejuvenate the squad expected to be under Alonso’s command. Given recent injury woes, it’s no surprise that defenders are the main focus.
This could spell more trouble for Liverpool, as after Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate is once again being linked with a move to Madrid when his Anfield contract runs out. As it stands, that won’t be until 2026, unless a contract extension can be negotiated.
However, the Frenchman isn’t the primary central defender target with Dean Huijsen top of the shopping list. The 20-year-old Bournemouth player is reportedly on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs, including Liverpool, and his $66 million (£50 million release clause means he could be on the move this summer.
The same could be said for Milos Kerkez, who has also been linked with Liverpool, as his name is being bandied about in the same breath as the Spanish heavyweights.
(Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, hints about winger Rodrygo’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu are also given in the same report.
This season, he has found himself further down the pecking order due to Kylian Mbappe’s arrival and hasn’t been able to make the desired impact, often coming off the bench.
Now, it’s reported that clarity is needed in ‘the coming days’. He must decide whether to stay and try to convince Alonso of his worth or opt to leave, with ‘a solution to be found immediately’.
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Liverpool, naturally, has secured Mohamed Salah for another two seasons in the same position and also has Federico Chiesa as a back-up. However, this hasn’t stopped speculation linking the 24-year-old with a move to Anfield.
Any deal is likely to be an expensive one though and it is unclear if Arne Slot would pursue a deal. Liverpool is instead expected to prioritize a central striking addition, with Darwin Nunez likely to leave the club this summer.
Chiesa meanwhile could secure a quick return to Italy after struggling for regular game time this season. Slot suggested recently that he would feature in the remaining games of the season but he wasn’t involved at all against Arsenal.
