Liverpool left to sweat as Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer meeting SET

Real Madrid are generally reluctant to sign players in January, particularly club president Florentino Pérez, who views mid-season transfers as a sign that the initial planning for the season wasn’t successful.

However, that stance may soon change due to Dani Carvajal's recent serious injury.

The club has been scouting right-backs for the next season, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold as their top target. Real Madrid had planned to pursue the English defender when his contract expires in June 2025, hoping to bring him in on a free transfer. At this stage, Alexander-Arnold’s future hinges on whether he renews with Liverpool or moves to Madrid.

READ MORE: Real Madrid hand Liverpool double blow

Could Trent make a move this winter?

With Carvajal sidelined, Lucas Vázquez is the only remaining right-back in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, though he has only played 264 minutes this season. However, Vázquez is not a natural right-back and is more frequently used as a winger for Los Blancos. Considering this, along with Alexander-Arnold’s close friendship with Jude Bellingham, it’s no surprise that rumours have started circulating about Liverpool's No. 66 potentially making a January move to Madrid.

While signing the 26-year-old in January seems unlikely due to Liverpool’s reluctance to let him go for an affordable price, Real Madrid may now be forced into the winter transfer market. Prior to Carvajal’s setback, the club had already been considering a January signing, particularly a left-footed centre-back, as David Alaba remains sidelined without a clear return date.

Several names have been linked to the La Liga side as potential signings, including Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig, who has been closely monitored by the club, and Palmeiras’ young centre-back Vítor Reis (18).

Per Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid will hold a meeting in the coming days to assess the available market options to cover for Carvajal’s absence. It’s clear that his injury has significantly altered the club’s transfer strategy for January.

Alexander-Arnold will be on the agenda at that meeting. Whether it pushes Real towards a January move or comes to nothing, it's something that inevitably puts pressure on Liverpool.