Real Madrid now look to hand Liverpool DOUBLE January transfer blow

Real Madrid have been a thorn in Liverpool’s side over recent years. 

The defeats in the Champions League finals of 2017-18 and 2021-22 cut deep and rumours have been circulating for months that Los Blancos are trying to lure Trent Alexander-Arnold away from his boyhood club.

The only natural right-back in their squad is the soon-to-be-33-year-old Dani Carvajal, with the backup at that position being sometimes-winger Lucas Vazquez, who is 33 himself already.

Read more: Liverpool close in on contract extension with 'AMAZING' centre-back

And then disaster struck in last night’s game against Villarreal, with Carvajal suffering a freak ACL injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season. As a result, Madrid’s quest for Trent may have to begin prematurely.

This comes as Spanish tabloid Marca are reporting that Real are looking to make a January signing for the first time in six years. Club President Florentino Perez had reportedly stopped believing in mid-season improvements after the signing of Brahim Diaz in the 2018-19 winter window.

Trent Alexander-Arnold interest and potential Van Dijk replacements

This change in attitude reportedly came in large part due to the desire to sign a left-footed centre back. As a result, Madrid are poised to deal a double blow to Liverpool.

With Virgil van Dijk’s contract status up in the air, Liverpool themselves have been keeping eyes on left-footed centre backs as possible replacements. The same Marca report links Madrid to RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, Palmeiras’ Vitor Reis and Ajax’s Jorrel Hato.

All three players have been linked to Liverpool as possible replacements for the Dutch captain.

As a result, it appears that Liverpool and Real Madrid will be in direct competition over the coming months. The saga of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and his possible desires to go to Spain, will be one controversial aspect.

The other will be which side manages to seal deals for their top targets. Liverpool need the Van Dijk domino to fall first, knowing if they will need an immediate replacement next season or someone who can develop behind the star.

In amongst all of this, Madrid will visit Anfield for a Champions League game on November 27th. It now appears that much more than just bragging rights will be on the table that night.