Real Madrid need to sign a right-back sooner or later. Dani Carvajal continues to perform at a high level and should be a Ballon d'Or contender this time around, having won both the Champions League and EUROs. But he is also 32 years of age and if there is one thing that is certain about football, it is that Father Time is undefeated.
One of the right-backs Real Madrid have been heavily linked with in recent months is Trent Alexander-Arnold. His current contract at Liverpool runs out next summer.
Of course, Real Madrid have had great success in recent years when it comes to signing high-profile players as free agents. Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Kylian Mbappe all arrived at Santiago Bernabeu after their contracts had run out at their previous clubs.
Trent added to the speculation further by signing a Real Madrid shirt while on holiday. He is great friends with England teammate, Jude Bellingham, as well.
Real Madrid seem to make unexpected Trent Alexander-Arnold decision
Yet, it looks like this Trent transfer saga might be over before it really started. As reported by the Daily Mail (via Football Espana), Real Madrid have cooled their interest in the English defender.
There have been rumours in recent weeks that Liverpool are confident of agreeing a contract extension with Trent. If that was to happen then it would eliminate any chance of Real Madrid signing him as a free agent.
Of course, Trent is not the only right-back Real Madrid have been linked with in recent times. On the other hand, it looks like the club might be looking for a similar solution for the opposite full-back position as well.
Alphonso Davies' contract at Bayern Munich runs out next summer. And Real Madrid are believed to be the favourites to sign him, whether as a free agent then or for a bargain transfer fee this season.