Can Liverpool’s Free Agent Transform Real Madrid’s Defense?
It is no shock that Real Madrid are on the brink of an intense signing summer. With injuries taking out key defensive players and the looming threat of contract expirations of big contributors like Luka Modric, Real Madrid needs to move quickly to fill the gaps. Liverpool has four matches left in the Premier League, but has already been crowned the champions. After an incredible season, dominating the league and remaining top of the table for most of it, it is no shock that Real Madrid is interested in one of their biggest names.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid has been a rumor since before Jude Bellingham signed for Los Blancos. Liverpool has already renewed players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah this season, but has been quiet on the Alexander-Arnold front. It was predicted that Real Madrid would buy him out of his contract, but much like the Kylian Mbappe saga, it seems that Florentino Perez has played his cards just right and will be able to get Alexander-Arnold as a free agent. With the England team preparing for the 2026 World Cup, it is possible Bellingham can sway the tide, but nothing is certain until the transfer window opens.
Real Madrid have two key players with contracts expiring in June, Modric and Lucas Vázquez. These two have contributed both defensively and in the midfield, spreading the ball and creating chances for the experienced offense. Losing these two would be a blow to an already struggling team, as both are captains and veterans on the pitch. Alexander-Arnold is known for his contributions in moving the ball forward, even as a right back and being able to play both a defensive and offensive role. Adding him to the roster could fill the void that would be missing if Los Blancos lost Modric and Vázquez; an even better outcome would be having them all.
It is obvious that Modric, with his 40th birthday on the horizon, can’t do all the carrying in the midfield anymore. He has surpassed his required duties on the pitch and has come in to save Real Madrid in many cases when saving didn’t seem possible. Without Toni Kroos, the team has relied heavily on Modric, and although he is doing things people did not expect from someone his age, it is time for Madrid to consider lessening his load. Alexander-Arnold can come in and contribute where Real Madrid is lacking, and having his English teammate there can help with acclimating him to the pressure that comes with playing for Real Madrid.
The air of uncertainty surrounding the club heading into the summer transfer window will be uneasy for fans, but ultimately, they have to trust Florentino Perez will do what is necessary to assure Real Madrid is a top trophy contender next season. There are concerns that Alexander-Arnold is susceptible to being caught on a counterattack, which are valid, but with knowing that weakness, it can be worked on. Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club is also rumored to be ending soon, with Xabi Alonso taking over amid panic that Ancelotti’s coaching style is not working anymore. However, adding an incredible player who is coming off a Premier League trophy high could bring back the essence that everyone knows is Real Madrid’s: being a champion.
