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Image Credits: YouTube/Fabrizio Romano

Liverpool’s prolonged efforts to retain vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold are starting to near a conclusion, with multiple reports confirming the right-back’s impending free transfer to Real Madrid.

The saga, which has simmered for over 18 months, now enters its final phase as the 26-year-old prepares to end his 17-year association with his boyhood club.

The financial structure of the deal – avoiding a transfer fee while offering elevated wages – is a similar strategy that has seen them land the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba.

Alexander-Arnold’s potential departure marks a symbolic blow for Liverpool, who face losing a homegrown talisman at the peak of his powers.

Manager Arne Slot now confronts the daunting task of replacing a player responsible for 81 assists in 298 appearances – a creative void exacerbated by the lack of a transfer fee to reinvest.

The impending exit has polarized Liverpool’s fanbase.

While some acknowledge Alexander-Arnold’s right to pursue new challenges, others will no doubt give the academy graduate the cold shoulder.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has dropped perhaps his biggest clue yet, posting on X that the deal is now progressing:

“Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid, closer and closer after story revealed 1 year ago.

The official contract proposal from Real has been sent to TAA and his camp?

Discussions underway on details of the deal; all parties involved CONFIDENT to get the agreement done.”

talkSPORT have also reported on the matter, reporting:

“The Liverpool star will leave Anfield after agreeing personal terms over a five-year deal worth in excess of in excess of £220,000-per-week with the Spanish giants in a seismic blow to Arne Slot’s side.”

“The England international has been in discussions with Real since January.”

“Real are believed to have kept Liverpool informed throughout the process.”

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