Liverpool transfer news RECAP - Trent Alexander-Arnold latest, salary revealed and replacements linked

Klopp favourite linked with summer transfer exit after Slot snub

Eintracht Frankfurt are 'considering' a summer move for Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, it has been claimed. The 32-year-old, who joined the Reds from Stuttgart for £16.7million in August 2023, has struggled for regular game time under Arne Slot this season.

In fact, Endo hasn't started a single Premier League match this term. He has been more prominent in other competitions, such as the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but opportunities have been few and far between, with the Japan international playing just 742 minutes in total.

There was talk that Endo could leave Liverpool in January but the midfielder stayed put at Anfield and vowed to fight for his place in the team. But with Endo's minutes not improving during the second half of the season, he may change his tune this summer and is not expected to be short of offers.

Read more about these transfer rumours about the future of Endo

Curtis Jones sends Jude Bellingham wordless message after England decision

Curtis Jones has fired a message to England teammate Jude Bellingham after Monday's 3-0 win over Latvia.

Liverpool midfielder Jones featured in each of Thomas Tuchel's first two games in charge of the Three Lions after replacing Gareth Southgate as their next permanent boss in October.

Jones, 24, started in a midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Bellingham as England beat Albania 2-0 at Wembley on Friday. He then came on as a second-half substitute against Latvia.

It has been a valuable international break for Jones, who has helped the Three Lions claim six points from six in two World Cup qualifiers.

Read what message Jones sent to Bellingham

"We all knew" - Alexander-Arnold Liverpool exit theory explained

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has explained why he would not be surprised to see Trent Alexander-Arnold leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid.

Smith has explained why he is not surprised by the update claiming that Alexander-Arnold is set to join Madrid in the summer.

Read what Smith had to say earlier today

Alexander-Arnold handed clear Liverpool response to Real Madrid transfer decision

Who the reportedly impending departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold truly impacts is the Liverpool supporters, who, if rumours end up coming true, will lose a local hero to admire both playing for their favourite football team and as a presence in the community.

These supporters, our ECHO readers, have been having their say on Alexander-Arnold and any decision he could make to leave the Reds after over 20 years with the club. Namely, they did this via our live transfer news page, reacting to our head of football Joe Rimmer's thoughts and commenting on the thoughts of Liverpool legend John Aldridge in the first part of his weekly column.

Read the reaction to to today's reports

Alexander-Arnold's hidden Real Madrid transfer consideration

Liverpool could lose Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer with Real Madrid reportedly close to finalising a contract for a free transfer.

With no new Liverpool contract signed approaching three months until his current deal expires, Alexander-Arnold is within the period of eligibility to be able to negotiate with foreign clubs such as Los Blancos. The latest reports, therefore, state such talks have been moving along, though they are not yet completed.

A number of Tuesday's writings on the 26-year-old explain that final details must be sealed, as does contact with Anfield chiefs directly. Only once they are informed can the pre-agreement progress.

But there is also something else more practical for the England international to consider when it comes to moving to Madrid.

Read the full story as James Quinlan explains one of the lesser-discussed considerations facing Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold faces being forced to change iconic shirt number

The number 66 has become synonymous with Trent Alexander-Arnold since breaking into the Liverpool team under Jurgen Klopp almost a decade ago now.

However, he would not be able to wear the same digits in Spain due to La Liga rules. That is because first-team players cannot have a shirt number higher than 25 (H/T to the Mirror).

As such, there is also no chance of Alexander-Arnold having a number retired should he move to Madrid, because the club could not even bestow such an honour on Cristiano Ronaldo because of the rules. One for the player to ponder perhaps...

Liverpool dealt blow in battle to sign Bournemouth star

If news of Real Madrid pushing to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer wasn't bad enough, the La Liga giants also appear to be in pole position to sign one of the Premier League's up and coming stars this summer.

Liverpool are one of a number of clubs rumoured to be interested in signing Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen this summer. It has long been reported that the 19-year-old has a release clause worth in the region of £50m that can be triggered at the end of the season.

However, it has now been claimed that Real Madrid are determined to place themselves at the forefront of the conversation. Reports in Spain this week, as well as from GiveMeSport, claim they have been tracking him for months and the player's Spanish nationality could give them the upper hand in any potential deal.

Endo responds to fan support

Liverpool midfielder Endo has opened up on the support he receives from fans, despite his limited game time under Arne Slot.

The Japan international joined the Reds from Stuttgart in the summer of 2023 but has played a slightly reduced role under the current head coach. That being said, he has still played an integral role off the bench this season and has become a huge favourite among supporters.

Speaking on the love he receives from fans, Endo told the Red Machine podcast, released by Kodansh:

Even this season when I play on the pitch, the Liverpool fans always try to support me and they always comment on my Instagram or X. So, I really feel like they support me. I think the fans love me!

Recently he [Slot] told me what I have done this season was really amazing and really helpful for the team, because even if I don't have chance to play a lot, when I play on the pitch I always try to give 100 per cent to help the team. My manager is really thankful for that."

Liverpool's dream defence after Trent Alexander-Arnold decision

One area of the pitch garnering the most attention ahead of the summer transfer window is the defence due to the uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

The former is reportedly closing in on a free transfer to Real Madrid, while there is reportedly still hope the captain will extend his stay at Anfield beyond this season.

That being said, should both depart upon the expiry of their contracts, it will no doubt be a busier transfer window than usual.

Read the full story as Mark Wakefield takes a look at how Liverpool's defence could look ahead of the 2025/26 season....

Trent Alexander-Arnold shirt number claim

It is becoming increasingly likely that Trent Alexander-Arnold's future rests away from Liverpool with links to Real Madrid intensifying this week.

It has now been claimed that the defender will need to ditch his iconic No. 66 shirt number should he complete a move to the Bernabeu ahead of next season.

That's according to The Express, who say rules in Spain command that any player named in a 25-man La Liga squad must wear a number between 1 and 25.

Trent Alexander-Arnold verdict given

ECHO writers have given their thoughts on the latest updates regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold's future and what it could mean for Liverpool moving forward...

• His Reds legacy
• Free transfer gripe
• Replacement plan

Read the full story HERE.

When Trent Alexander-Arnold could play for Liverpool next after injury

It must be remembered that amid all this exit talk, it currently remains up in the air when - or possibly even if - Trent Alexander-Arnold plays for Liverpool again.

In what could end up being his final nine matches as a Red, there stands a chance he misses some or all due to the injury he sustained in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday, March 11. It meant he missed the Carabao Cup final nine days ago.

Arne Slot will only be able to give an update in one week's time, when he next speaks to the media before Liverpool's return to action.

Read the full story HERE

Jeremie Frimpong rumours

If Trent Alexander-Arnold is to leave Liverpool then his right back position is just going to have to be added to the list as part of a summer spending spree at Anfield.

Most recently the Reds have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong - a former Man City starlet and integral part of Xabi Alonso's invincible Bundesliga-winning team of 2023/24. He also netted a nice goal at Anfield in the Champions League for the German side earlier this season, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

BILD recently linked him with a Liverpool switch and the full-back himself only added to the suggestion when he linked up with Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk at the Netherlands camp last week, joking with them in the scouse accent.

Trent Alexander-Arnold defended

Former Red Stephen Warnock has posted to X defending Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The defender-turned-pundit has said any supporters issuing backlash around a decision to leave Liverpool tarnishing his legacy with the club are 'deluded'.

Read the full story HERE

Trent Alexander-Arnold future latest as Liverpool defender 'closes in' on Real Madrid transfer

Real Madrid are reportedly close to finalising a deal to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer when his Liverpool contract expires this summer. The Reds vice-captain has long been the subject of interest from the La Liga giants, who have kept a close eye on his contract situation at Anfield.

They saw an approach to sign Alexander-Arnold in January knocked back by Liverpool on New Year’s Eve, with the Reds adamant that they had no interest in letting the full-back leave mid-season.

But it is looking increasingly likely that the 26-year-old will now leave his boyhood club at the end of the season, with the full-back having had an official offer on the table from the Spanish giants for a number of weeks. He has been free to agree a pre-contract agreement with any overseas club since January 1.

Read the full story HERE

Real Madrid 'stumbling block'

This is an interesting addition made by the author of The Independent's earlier report, Miguel Delaney, on a potential roadblock on Trent Alexander-Arnold's proposed path to Real Madrid.

He details a law passed where new residents in Spain who establish tax residence in Madrid can benefit from a deduction equal to 20 percent of their investments in the regional tax bracket of the personal income tax.

This was a factor that held up Kylian Mbappe's move to the club as a free agent last year and also Gareth Bale when he joined from Tottenham well over a decade ago.

Alan Smith on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Speaking to Sky Sports News, former Leicester City, Arsenal and England hero Alan Smith has had his say on the latest Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer rumours. He said:

"I think we all knew he was going to the Spanish capital and listen, who can blame him?

"What a move for him.

"He's won the trohies at his hometown club and, as an individual, if you have got a chance to play for Real Madrid you have just got to grab it with both hands.

"I wish him well, he is the sort of player I think the Real Madrid public will warm to and will love with the way they have to Jude Bellingham because he is such a technician, such a wodnerful player to watch.

"We wish him well, I don't think we have got enough players at the big clubs abroad because players used to want to go abroad to earn the money but you can do that here now.

"That attraction of Los Blancos is irresistible."

The Times report

Paul Joyce is the latest to go with a report on Trent Alexander-Arnold for The Times.

Again, the message is that Real Madrid are 'working to finalise a deal' with the Liverpool full-back and reiterates that we have not reached that stage as the Reds have not been informed by Spanish counterparts of any agreement, as is the proper conduct in this scenario.

By contrast, he adds there is more hope around the futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk remaining on Merseyside next season.

Sky Sports update

Sky Sports have now issued their own update on this unfolding story.

Like others, they say Trent Alexander-Arnold is 'progressing' in contract negotiations with Real Madrid, going as far to say that is his preference over remaining with Liverpool.

They say that there is optimism between both player and club but there is 'no guarantee' he will end up in Spain with no agreement signed as of yet.

Business of football writer Dave Powell on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Speaking to the ECHO Reach Plc's business of football writer Dave Powell said:

Should Trent Alexander-Arnold exit Liverpool this summer then there is a pretty big void for the Reds to fill, and one that hasn’t had the benefit of a big slice of incoming funds from a sale to aid it.

Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid is a blow, and it is no secret that the club and Arne Slot wanted to keep him as part of the team. He is, after all, one of the world’s best in his position, has a unique skill set that has been so instrumental in Liverpool’s success, and he is 26, meaning he has plenty of road left to travel and in his prime.

Pinning down how much a player earns often involves a considerable amount of guess work, but by using the most widely reported figures, sums of around £180,000 to £200,000 per week seem to be in the ballpark for his weekly wage. That would put him around the £10million mark for the year.

Given the way that Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group traditionally operate in the market it is likely that they will look for someone a little younger to come in and fill that void, and that will mean that the wage outlay will likely be significantly cheaper.

However, Alexander-Arnold would be leaving on a free transfer, and being 26 and moving to a club overseas would mean that Liverpool get no compensation for his services, despite the fact that they offered him a new deal and he has been in the Reds system since he was a child.

Had there been two or three years on his deal then the club would have been looking at a likely £80million to £100million price tag, and that would have been pure profit given the fact he had no book value. But would they have been looking to sell him? I would argue not. The club lost leverage by letting it drag on into his final year and to the point where other clubs could speak to him, but what is often overlooked in these matters is the personal preference of the players themselves.

If Alexander-Arnold’s wish had been to test the market and see if he wanted a move then he has more options as a free agent, and it is more financially beneficial. Quite what has transpired behind closed doors we do not know, and it is rumour and conjecture at this point.

But for Liverpool, while they may be able to shave £2million or £3million of an annual salary for a right back that can eventually step up to be the man, they will still face the reality that such players are likely to be £35million to £50million in the current market, and that is a price tag that would add an amortised cost, at the top end, of £10million per year.

Liverpool have the financial flexibility to manoeuvre in the summer, and they will have already made headway on this being a potential outcome for the club. Replacing Alexander-Arnold won’t be cheap, though, and clubs know that Liverpool have a real requirement for this summer and they will feel the need to act. That means the price point might be higher given that clubs know they have pressure, necessity and the money to get a deal done.

Trent Alexander-Arnold latest

Widespread reports suggest a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer is close.

With the end of the season fast approaching, there has been little to no movement regarding the contracts of three of Liverpool's most important players. Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are all set to become free agents in the summer as things stand.

Now as the vice captain reaches a crossroads, read our full round-up of he latest news and rumours surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s future HERE

Reds - have your say!

Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially leaving Liverpool this summer has always been a big point of discussion throughout the season and today it has come to a fore with the latest rumours.

As always, the ECHO values what its readers have to say and appreciate any additions to this topic. So far we've had some great comments around Liverpool's No.66.

Brommers has said: "I hoped he’d stay but it’s our own fault for not sorting his contract out 2 years ago. Best we can hope for now is a small amount of money from Madrid to let him go before his contract ends and the [Club] World Club Cup starts."

gibsonsg has wrote: "Could it be Trent prefers a change of scenery? He's 26 and has given plenty to Liverpool. Best of luck to him anyone paying a wee bit of attention has expected this since last summer."

And fredfire1947 has added: "No surprise then! Thanks and goodbye Trent!"

I'll be gutted if Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool - it was different for me when I left

In the first part of his weekly ECHO column, Reds legend John Aldridge had his say on Trent Alexander-Arnold's time with the club and his feelings if that is to come to an end.

Here is a snippet and you can read Aldo's thoughts in full HERE

I’m pretty sure that it’s certain that Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to go to Real Madrid. That's certainly what it looks like. If he turned around and signs, I’d be delighted. But I’ve taken it as done in my mind.

Maybe Trent just fancies a change. Obviously the financial incentives will be absolutely ridiculous, but he’s going to be a rich lad if he stays at Liverpool for the rest of his career. It’s a personal thing. It’s just a personal thing. If he does go, we’ll all be sad. Of course we will be.

He’s a great player with great attributes. And he’s achieved what he’s achieved with us. I’ll be gutted to be fair if he goes, but it’s his life. He’s free to live it the way he wants to live it.

Trent Alexander-Arnold wage suggestions

Interestingly reports over the last day or so have given the first hints towards any sense of wages involved in contract negotiations for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

On the one hand talkSPORT have claimed the Spaniards' offer is £220k per week, whereas The Independent have gone with slightly lower at £200k but have included mention of a 'major' sign-on bonus.

Flashback to January and it was rumour that Liverpool were willing to go as high as £300k per week, or a total £78m in wages over the next five years, to 'fend off' a similar level of pay from Real Madrid.

Another Fabrizio Romano update

Fabrizio Romano, again on X, has issued another Trent Alexander-Arnold update but this time via video.

He says: "Real Madrid and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the agreement is very close and 'here we go' is expected soon for the English right back to join Real Madrid from Liverpool as a free agent in summer 2025.

"The story started one year ago, it was March 2024, when I came here and told you Real Madrid are monitoring the situation of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool. They always had Trent as option number one, two and three on their shortlist for the full-back position.

"Now an agreement is imminent, at the final stages. Real Madrid have sent their contract proposal to his camp and the agreement is now really close. Working on the final details then Real Madrid, when the right moment arrives, will inform Liverpool on the agreement then Trent is fully expected to join in the summer with a 'here we go' to follow very soon."

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/8YMmNnS3KB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 25, 2025

Trent Alexander-Arnold 'close'

The Independent are the latest to publish a story on Trent Alexander-Arnold, reiterating the message of The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano.

They say the 26-year-old is 'close' to finalising a contract with Real Madrid with the last details required to sort.

Different to earlier however, they say he has been offered £200,000 a week along with a 'major signing-on bonus' and the club have supposedly denied comment on the reports.

Carlo Ancelotti and Jude Bellingham comments

Back in November Real Madrid came to Anfield in the Champions League's opening phase. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo sank them with relative comfort.

Trent Alexander-Arnold would also miss that game through injury, though that did not stop questions being directed the way of the Spanish side about the player they could sign this summer.

Responding, manager Carlo Ancelotti first said: "I'm sorry but I cannot think about Alexander-Arnold,” he said. “He is not my player."

Likewise Jude Bellingham added: "I'll be playing alongside him next season for England anyway. That will be a guarantee.

"But he's a Liverpool player and it would be disrespectful to come to his home today with a big game tomorrow and talk about something that could be misconstrued so it's important to take that pressure off him. I want him to do really well normally. Just not tomorrow."

Real Madrid approach

It may all be media reports right now but let's not forget, Real Madrid haven't exactly been discreet in their hunt for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

It was New Years' Eve, Reds all over the globe were celebrating the arrival of 2025 and the 15-time European champions just had to go and put a dampener on it.

As reported by the ECHO at the time, Liverpool received an approach enquiring if there was the possibility of doing business over the January transfer window. This was highly out of the blue as Los Blancos could wait six months and secure the player for free, rather than pay a fee as they would had to have done in the winter.

But this season they have been hampered by injuries to first-choice Dani Carvajal and back-up Lucas Vasquez.

The answer they got was no as the Reds had no interest in selling.

What Trent Alexander-Arnold has said

Back in September 2024 close to the start of the season, Trent Alexander-Arnold spoke to the ECHO after Liverpool's home Premier League win vs Bournemouth.

He spoke about the first months under new coach Arne Slot and their relationship, his aims for the season and most importantly his contract situation, which is of course still ongoing to this day.

He said: "Look, I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public. And this one won’t be either.

"I want to be a Liverpool player this season (as a minimum) is what I will say."

Betfair betting suspended

Odds were as short as 2-7 for Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool as a free agent and sign for Real Madrid this summer on Betfair. However, the bookmaker has now closed this market after news from the past 24 hours.

Spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: "The uncertainty around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future this summer may be edging closer to being resolved as betting is now suspended on the Liverpool defender to join Real Madrid.

"This comes following a flurry of bets with the Spanish giants’ long-term target having previously been 2/7 to make the move to the Santiago Bernabeu."