Real Madrid signed two players in the 2024 summer transfer window and neither were defenders. Therefore, given the ageing nature of Carlo Ancelotti's defence, it's no surprise to see Real Madrid linked with a future move for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is a versatile defender, who also has the ability to play as a central midfielder if required. He has a great range of passing and he is mostly recognised for his attacking input.
As things stand, Trent Alexander-Arnold is under contract at Liverpool until 2025. Until this point, he has been a one-club man.
However, the likelihood it that he's aware of Real Madrid's interest. This knowledge will certainly have an impact on Trent's decision about where his future lies.
Liverpool legend warns Trent Alexander-Arnold about Real Madrid transfer
Speaking to the Stick to Football Podcast, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has sent a warning to Trent Alexander-Arnold about the implication a Real Madrid transfer would have on the relationship he has fostered with Liverpool fans.
In his own words, Jamie Carragher said: "When you're a local player at Liverpool, leaving the club is not just a decision; it's complicated."
Jamie Carragher then went onto liken the potential transfer to Steve McManaman, who also joined Real Madrid from Liverpool in a similar deal.
Carragher said: "It happened to McManaman when he went to Madrid, there was no like, oh good luck, you’re going to the biggest club in the world. It was a bit like, 'who do you think you are going there?' Going there for free."
The truth is that Jamie Carragher cannot reveal anything to Trent Alexander-Arnold, which he hasn't thought about for himself continuously. The defender has every ability to become a Liverpool club legend but when Real Madrid come knocking, it's almost impossible to reject. Just ask McManaman.
I get it, though. Jamie Carragher comes from an era when being a one-club player was considered a success. This was back when the game wasn't half as money-pumped as it is in the modern era.
Nowadays, players understandably think about football like they would any other career. If the right opportunity comes along which could set their career on an elevated pedestal, fans can expect to be disappointed.
Jamie Carragher said it himself - Real Madrid are the best club in the world. It was the case when Steve McManaman joined in 1999 and it remains the case today.