Liverpool have played a fast one on Real Madrid as they plot not to let Trent Alexander-Arnold leave to the Spanish capital without a fight, MySportDab reports.
Trent Alexander-Arnold recently announced his decision to end his spell with the Reds after 20 years, amidst links to Real Madrid.
Interestingly, the 27-year-old will join the ranks of high-value players who have moved to Real Madrid for free despite being in their prime.
For the Reds’ fans, Trent’s decision to leave for free was a betrayal, and this found expression in the hostile reactions that rained down on the comment section of the announcement video.
Also, Liverpool, as a club, are apparently not happy losing one of their key defenders to the European rivals for free.
It is understood the reigning Premier League champions wanted to keep the player on a new contract, but couldn’t mitigate the weight of Real Madrid’s beckoning on the player.
With Trent close to a new chapter with Los Blancos, Liverpool aren’t ready to lose him without a fight.
According to close sources, the club are currently treating Trent Alexander-Arnold on ‘leave do’ in Dubai to properly bid him farewell as he prepares to leave.
Interestingly, they are also reportedly using the leave do as a ploy to delay Trent’s move to Madrid.
This is because Real Madrid want the Reds to release Trent before his contract expires officially on June 30 so that he can join the squad for FIFA Club World Cup in August.
The Reds are reportedly open to meeting Los Blancos’ demands, but only if they pay about £850,000.
This, they believe, will at least compensate for having to lose the player as a free agent. It is still unclear whether Real Madrid will foot the bill or risk losing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the FIFA Club World Cup in August.