'I left Liverpool for Real Madrid like Trent Arnold could – I'd tell him this'

  /  autty

One former Liverpool striker has previously said he would be willing to discuss a potential move to Real Madrid with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is on the verge of leaving Anfield for the Bernabeu

Michael Owen has thrown his two cents into the continuing saga of Trent Alexander-Arnold's potential move away from Liverpool, suggesting he'd advise the player on a possible switch to Real Madrid. The ex-Reds frontman himself made headlines back in 2004 when he traded Anfield for a stint at the Bernabeu.

During his brief spell in Spain, Owen notched up 16 goals across 46 appearances. Following a year at Madrid, he joined Newcastle United in 2005 and later disclosed that his actual desire was to return to Liverpool - a wish that was left unfulfilled. Owen, familiar with the pressures and intricacies of a significant transfer decision like the one looming over Alexander-Arnold, understands what's at stake. The 26-year-old defender's current Liverpool deal is winding down, making Alexander-Arnold eligible for a free transfer come summer - and recent reports suggest he is bound for the Spanish capital.

"Would I be open for a chat?" Owen told the Liverpool Echo. "Of course, if he reached out for me, yeah. I have lots of people that I speak to. I work in television, I'm interviewing people all the time.

"I'm covering games, I'm in and around places and TV studios. I'm always chatting to people and people ask for advice and things like that. If Trent called me then of course I would."

On the conundrum facing Alexander-Arnold, Owen observed that the measure of a decision often only surfaces in hindsight, musing: "There's no good or bad decision really. The only good or bad decision is the after time, in 10 years.

"That's the only reason you'll ever say it is a good or bad decision. Whereas when you live it, it's that way. I decided that at the time and I can't change it.

"From Trent's point of view, he'll make his decision based on all the facts in front of him, and that will be the right thing for him at this time.

"That's what he'll have to live with forever, and I'm sure he'll be comfortable with that. If other people have this opinion in the future, as I say, these after-timers, then, whatever. Just whatever. It doesn't matter."

Meanwhile, reports from The Athletic suggest Real are working to finalise a deal for Alexander-Arnold. The report claims Los Blancos are required to inform Liverpool if a pre-contract agreement is reached, but that has not happened yet.

It suggested that the Spanish giants have been keeping tabs on the Englishman for two years. The same report adds that Real have been doing everything in their power since January to convince Alexander-Arnold to join.

One star who could be waiting for the defender should he head to La Liga is England team-mate Jude Bellingham. Most of those who surround Alexander-Arnold have remained incredibly coy about his potential move, and Bellingham continued that trend when asked about his peer's future before their Champions League clash earlier this season.

Speaking in a press conference before they went head-to-head on the pitch, 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."

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Related: Liverpool Real Madrid Alexander-Arnold Bellingham
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