Trent Alexander-Arnold is seemingly closer than ever to signing with Real Madrid, but Bernabeu star and good pal Jude Bellingham has so far refused to discuss his England team-mate’s future
Jude Bellingham’s true character was on display when refusing to discuss Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s future at Liverpool prior to reports emerging that he’s closing in on a deal with Real Madrid. The Reds vice-captain is out of contract at the end of the season and has been consistently linked with a summer move to join his England team-mate in Spain.
While Madrid put forth a £20million bid for Alexander-Arnold in January that was swiftly rejected, fresh reports claim that a deal has been agreed with the right-back to take him to the Bernabeu.
While the defender has remained tight-lipped on his uncertain future throughout the season, it hasn’t stopped others in the footballing world from discussing what he’ll decide to do next.
One player that has declined to speculate on Alexander-Arnold’s future is Bellingham, with whom he shares a close bond with.
As only the sixth English player to represent Madrid, the midfielder was asked before taking on Liverpool in the Champions League earlier this season whether he could be joined by his international colleague at club level.
Opting not to make his pal’s situation trickier to manage and avoiding discussing what Alexander-Arnold will choose to do, the 21-year-old showed the respect he possesses for Alexander-Arnold and Premier League giants Liverpool in his response.
Speaking in a press conference, he said: «Would I like to play with Trent? I will be with him in the national team, so that will be guaranteed.
«He is a Liverpool player and talking about the future is disrespectful. The important thing is to relieve the pressure. He is a great friend and I wish him all the best. Except tomorrow.»
In the event of Alexander-Arnold’s exit, Arne Slot does have Conor Bradley at his disposal, but a more senior replacement will inevitably be lined up.
Reports have suggested that the Dutchman has his eye on Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong and that Slot has already supposedly engaged in conversations with the Netherlands international.
Frimpong – who spent nine years in Manchester City’s academy – has emerged as one of the best full-backs in world football since signing for the reigning Bundesliga champions in 2021. With 29 goals and 40 assists in 182 games for Leverkusen, the 24-year-old certainly provides end product from his position.
Reportedly possessing a £33.5million release clause in his contract, the Reds may face fierce competition for his signature should they target him, with the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich linked with signing him this summer.
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