James Pearce shares update as talk of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid heats up

Journalist James Pearce has shut down reports surrounding one player's potential departure from Anfield in January.

Trent Alexander Arnold is one of three key first-team players who will be out of contract in 2025. The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid with the rumours simply refusing to go away.

Rumours surrounding the move have ramped up once again after the La Liga giants lost current right-back Dani Carvajal who sustained a season-ending ACL injury, sidelining him until the latter part of 2025. Per Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid were said to be holding a meeting to assess the available market options to cover for Carvajal’s absence.

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Pearce clarifies Trent Alexander-Arnold situation

Speaking on the Walk On podcast, the Athletic journalist said reports that there will be a swoop for Alexander-Arnold in January are farfetched, adding that talks for a contract renewal are continuing at pace behind the scenes.

“There’s absolutely zero chance that Trent will go anywhere in January," said Pearce. "I saw some nonsense about Real Madrid planning a bid for him in January - I don’t believe that’s true.

“Like we’ve said many times before: every top club in Europe will be keeping a very close eye on developments over Trent’s future because my information at the moment is that there is no decision that’s been taken and those talks are ongoing. “But the fact it was left very late by Liverpool to open those discussions, with him down to his last year, obviously makes things more difficult.”

Fichajes had claimed that Real Madrid are readying an offer to buy Alexander-Arnold in January, however, Pearce has dismissed these claims.

It seems highly unlikely that Liverpool will allow their vice-captain to leave Anfield mid-season especially if Arne Slot's side are still fighting for silverware in all four competitions.

Reds fans will be hoping that contracts for Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are sorted sooner rather than later.