Real Madrid formally announced the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold following months of speculation and conflict from Liverpool, for which they also had to pay a good sum.
Many see the signing as the next Galactico, behind Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. Trent will undoubtedly be a key player in Xabi Alonso's setup.
He is also the player who is most likely to profit from Xabi's style. If the manager uses his 3-5-2 formation, the Englishman will have an unprecedented opportunity to capitalize on his offensive ability while focusing significantly less on his defensive limitations, which are also not as awful.
But, moving forward, this signing clearly signals that Dani Carvajal's time at Real Madrid is soon up. The Castilla native has spent his entire career with Real Madrid and is now a legend at the age of 33.
Trent's signing essentially sends a negative signal for Dani Carvajal's Real Madrid future
Trent would not settle for a supporting position at Real Madrid after winning the Premier League twice and the Champions League as well. He knows he will have the upper hand, and the club will give him that. That claim contains little untruth.
Dani Carvajal, while still solid, is getting older and more prone to injuries. He has recently returned from a season-long injury, and resuming his previous form is not guaranteed.
Furthermore, Trent is the ideal element for Xabi Alonso's vision for this team's fullback position. Genius with playmaking, quick feet, and a formidable offensive threat. Dani Carvajal is all of things, without a doubt, but certainly not as good as Trent.
Trent's signing and the strong interest in Alvaro Carreras indicate one thing: Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso, require quick feet on the deep flanks, fullbacks who can attack as well as defend.
With that in mind, and considering his age, Dani Carvajal may have to accept a secondary role under Xabi Alonso. What could be done instead is for Trent to focus on all the major games, particularly the Champions League, and Dani Carvajal to be the default choice for domestic competitions when the situation is less pressing.
Furthermore, Carvajal is not someone who would be despised with this competition. He'd rather be congratulated and take everything in stride, as he promised.