The proposed transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool to Real Madrid has sparked a debate on whether a local legend can depart Merseyside without tarnishing his legacy.
Having joined the Reds two decades ago as a six-year-old, Alexander-Arnold has amassed an impressive collection of silverware, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup titles.
His impact is illustrated by a mural located just a stone’s throw away from Anfield, which proudly features the words: “I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has just come true.”
Nevertheless, many believe that his future decision will significantly shape how he is remembered in Liverpool for years to come.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, Real Madrid could acquire him without the need for a transfer fee, securing a player renowned for his record-breaking creative output as a right-back.
Here, AFP Sport examines the crucial factors influencing the 26-year-old as he approaches a pivotal career choice.
A Persuasive Argument from Madrid
Liverpool takes pride in boasting the most successful history in the European Cup, with their six titles standing out among Premier League rivals.
However, Real Madrid has raised the bar significantly, having secured 15 European Cup or Champions League titles, with six of those victories occurring in the last eleven years.
Aside from the alluring lifestyle offered by Spain’s warmer climate, a move to Madrid would see Alexander-Arnold teaming up with his close friend and England teammate Jude Bellingham, as well as superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior.
The high-profile atmosphere at the newly renovated Santiago Bernabeu could also provide Alexander-Arnold with the opportunity to realise his ambition of being the first full-back to win the Ballon d’Or.
“I believe I can (win it),” Alexander-Arnold said to Sky Sports earlier in the season. “Only once you retire can you look in the mirror and say, ‘I gave it everything I had.’
“It’s not about the number of trophies or medals; it’s about what you contribute to the game and whether you reach your full potential.”
By allowing his contract to run its course, he stands to gain substantially from a signing-on bonus, as Madrid would avoid high transfer costs.
Moreover, he could argue that there is little left to achieve at Anfield.
With Liverpool currently 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League, Alexander-Arnold is likely to add a second English championship to his impressive tally of six major trophies by the time his contract expires.
“I hope his legacy is that of a remarkable homegrown talent who has excelled at this club,” said Steve McManaman, who himself made a free transfer move from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 1999.
Following Gerrard’s Example?
McManaman clinched two Champions League titles and two La Liga trophies during his four-year spell in Spain, yet his journey is often cited as a cautionary tale to Alexander-Arnold.
“It’s about the legacy he’ll leave at Liverpool and how history will view him. Do you want to be seen like (Steven) Gerrard or McManaman?” remarked former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, a one-club legend himself, regarding Alexander-Arnold’s options.
“McManaman won trophies at Madrid but is not as adored. If Alexander-Arnold stays, he might be remembered as one of the club’s greatest players, close behind Gerrard.”
As vice-captain, Alexander-Arnold is already positioned as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk.
Unlike the era of Gerrard, McManaman, and Michael Owen, who moved from Liverpool to Madrid in 2004, Alexander-Arnold is part of a squad that is consistently competing at the highest level in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
If he chooses to remain, Alexander-Arnold could soon find himself lifting trophies as a local lad turned legend.
Yet, Liverpool, like many clubs before them, may find it challenging to resist the allure of Real Madrid.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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