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Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave a hole to fill for Liverpool on and off the pitch(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool's compliance with the Premier League's spending rules could be jeopardised if Trent Alexander-Arnold departs for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Premier League clubs are restricted by profit and sustainability rules (PSR), which prevent them from recording losses exceeding £105m over three years, a figure that decreases by £22m for each season spent outside the top flight.

This put Liverpool in a strong position for the new three-year PSR period, but they could miss out on a significant windfall if Alexander-Arnold moves to Real Madrid this summer.



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Dave Powell, chief business of football writer for Reach PLC, suggests the club could have demanded up to £100m for the right-back.

Instead, Liverpool will only save approximately £10m on their annual wage bill, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The football finance guru has sounded the alarm for Liverpool, warning that Trent Alexander-Arnold's potential move to Real Madrid could leave a gaping hole in the Reds' lineup.

"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," said Powell.

Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be on his way to Real Madrid(Image: Trent Alexander-Arnold)

The expert highlighted the full-back's importance, noting, "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.

That would put him around the £10million mark for the year."

He also pointed out FSG's likely strategy post-Alexander-Arnold, saying, "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."

Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to end his 20-year association with Liverpool this summer(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The situation is further complicated by the nature of the player's departure, as Powell explained: "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.

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.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot may need to sign a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold (Image: PA)

"Quite what has transpired behind closed doors we do not know, and it is rumour and conjecture at this point.

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.

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"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.