Real Madrid have rejected the chance to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool teammate, Virgil van Dijk. The Netherlands defender is not in Real's plans.
Real Madrid are linked to the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. While they would like to sign him in January, the likeliest outcome is that Real Madrid will sign him when his contract expires in the summer of 2025.
That said, Trent Alexander-Arnold is not the only Liverpool defender who is playing his last season under contract at Anfield Stadium. Indeed, so too is his long-term teammate and one of the best defenders of all-time, Virgil van Dijk.
Unlike Trent Alexander-Arnold, though, Real Madrid do not appear as interested in Virgil van Dijk.
Real Madrid reject Liverpool defender and it’s not Trent Alexander-Arnold
According to a new report from Jorge C. Picón of Relevo, the agents of Virgil van Dijk offered the player to Real Madrid for a free transfer after his Liverpool contract expires. However, Real Madrid rejected the opportunity, since he is not in Los Blancos' plans as it stands.
Given the injury crisis which has impacted Real Madrid this season, it might seem nonsensical to see the whites turn down Virgil van Dijk. After all, he is one of the best defenders in the world and he is also available on a free transfer.
However, Real Madrid are not the type to sign players they do not believe in. They have the pulling power to pull any player in the world, so if Real Madrid do not believe in Virgil van Dijk, then they are best-placed to reject him.
It remains to be seen what happens with Virgil van Dijk's future. While he would be a good signing for Real from a fan perspective, it is not likely that VvD will see his future in the royal white jersey.
Nevertheless, the same cannot be said for his teammate on the flank, Trent Alexander-Arnold. The two were seemingly involved in an altercation on the pitch, when Trent was not playing like his usual self during Liverpool's most recent draw against Man United in the Premier League.
From a Real Madrid perspective, it is clear to see that the cracks are starting to show from their European rivals Liverpool. They started the season turbulently but their form has not been as great recently. Hopefully, this transcends into the Champions League too.