After months of speculation, rumours, social media outbursts, and heated debates, Liverpool fans are now faced with the unsettling news they feared yet hoped would never come to pass: their Liverpool-born right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, might leave his boyhood club in the summer on a free transfer.
We spoke to former England and Manchester United full-back Paul Parker to discuss the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Parker has suggested that this possible move is a big gamble.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Contract Situation
As he enters the final three months of his contract with Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is now free to negotiate with potential suitors. The fact that he can leave on a free transfer has sparked anger among sections of the Liverpool fanbase, who feel the club deserves a transfer fee for a player they consider one of their own. Alexander-Arnold made his senior debut for Liverpool at just 18 years old in 2016, and has been a key player ever since.
Parker’s Concerns About the Move
Paul Parker is not convinced that Real Madrid should pursue Alexander-Arnold, as he believes the 26-year-old is far from reaching the same level as the legendary Dani Carvajal. The Real Madrid full-back has made over 400 appearances for the Spanish giants and is also one of the club captains. He is now 33 years old, so he is coming to the end of his career. Carvajal has also been unavailable for most of the season due to an injury. Speaking about Trent’s move to Real Madrid, Parker said: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has decided he wants to play for Real Madrid because they’re looking for a right-back. The problem is that Trent isn’t in the same mould or on the same ability level as the one they lost in Carvajal. Not anywhere near. It’s as simple as that.”
Parker’s criticism goes beyond just footballing ability. He argues that Real Madrid’s full-backs have traditionally been known for their work ethic and ability to get to the byline and deliver crosses. These are qualities which Parker believes Alexander-Arnold does not fully possess: “People will say Trent can do this and do that, but he’s just not at the same level as Carvajal,” Parker states. “Real Madrid full-backs have never been just about making Hollywood passes. They’re about putting in the graft.”
A Move to Madrid: A Step Too Far?
While Parker understands why Alexander-Arnold would be keen on the move, he questions whether it might be a leap too far, especially given that he’s already achieved everything there is to win in English football and he has also won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. “Even someone like Marcelo, who was technically brilliant, also worked incredibly hard,” Parker adds. “Real Madrid players have a relentless work ethic, and that’s where I think Trent could struggle. The Real Madrid players won’t stand for some of the things he’s gotten away with at Liverpool. He won’t get away with it there.”
A Gamble for Both Parties
Despite his thoughts on the player, Parker adds that Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alexander-Arnold is one which the defender cannot reject as he said: “You can’t say no to it or people will question you, and Trent can always come back to the Premier League if it doesn’t work out.”
However, it’s clear that Alexander-Arnold’s future will depend heavily on his ability to adapt to a new style of football, one that requires greater defensive discipline. “Trent will have to completely change everything he’s gotten away with at Liverpool. It’ll be a big test for him, and a gamble,” Parker warns. “He has to improve his defensive attributes, and if they’re not there, it will be a problem.”
Trent’s Struggles in Midfield
Parker is also critical of how Alexander-Arnold has been utilised in midfield, particularly during Euro 2024:“The issue is, he’s not that good when he plays in midfield. There are better players who can’t even make the national team in that position, and yet he’s been played there by managers who feel he has to play for England.”
For Parker, the point of the matter is simple: Alexander-Arnold’s defensive capabilities need serious work, and unless they improve, he may struggle to adapt to the demands of Real Madrid.
