Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is closing in on a free transfer move to Spanish giants Real Madrid but some historic comments about their fierce rivals Barcelona could make things awkward.
Trent Alexander-Arnold might have to explain some awkward Barcelona comments should he complete a move to Real Madrid. The Liverpool defender is out of contract at the end of the season and as it stands, there is no sign of a renewal.
In fact, the right-back appears closer to leaving Anfield than staying. According to a number of reports, Alexander-Arnold is in advanced discussions with Madrid over a free transfer to the Bernabeu.
It is reported that he has agreed personal terms with Los Blancos ahead of putting pen to paper on a five-year deal. But once he arrives in Spain, Alexander-Arnold might have an awkward chat to explain some particularly complimentary comments he made about their fierce rivals Barcelona.
Asked back in 2021 what other team he would play for if not Liverpool, if given the chance, he replied: "My other favorite team is Barca. I think they have the same values as Liverpool. They bring a lot of players up from the youth academy. I grew up watching them. Messi and that special team with Iniesta, Xavi, Henry, Eto'o ... All of them... It was something special.”
And it’s not just Barcelona that Alexander-Arnold was a big fan of. The defender has also regularly hailed Argentine and Catalan icon Lionel Messi.
Asked who he thought was the best player in the world, he notably ignored Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo. He replied: “I’ll say Messi just because I prefer his style of play and how fast he is.”
And his praise continued when asked who the then best player in the world was, as well as his toughest opponent. “I love Messi. I think he’s just the best player ever,” Alexander-Arnold added: “Messi. Just seeing how magic he is. Just seeing how good he is as a player is unbelievable.”
Barcelona and Real Madrid’s fierce rivalry has come to the forefront this season, with both sides battling to win La Liga and the Champions League. As it stands, Barcelona are top of the Spanish league, albeit are only ahead of Real courtesy of their superior goal difference.
Both sides are still also in Europe. Real Madrid take on Premier League side Arsenal in the quarter-finals, while Barca have been drawn to face Borussia Dortmund.
Elsewhere, former Reds star Stephen Warnock has jumped to Alexander-Arnold’s defence in the face of severe criticism from fans amid a reported move to Real Madrid. Taking to X, he said: "Can’t believe the negativity directed towards Trent Alexander-Arnold and his potential move away from LFC. I’ve seen comments like 'he should be ashamed' and he’s 'not loyal to the club' are deluded.
"He’s entitled to make his own choices and challenge himself in a different league and different country. He’s won everything with LFC, been an incredible servant to the club and should be given a great send off by the fans."