Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly told Liverpool that he intends to leave the club and join Real Madrid.

Under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool has enjoyed an exceptional start to the season, currently leading both the Premier League and the Champions League group stage. However, speculation continues to surround the futures of three key players whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the campaign: Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Alexander-Arnold, now 26, has informed Liverpool’s leadership of his desire to leave his boyhood club and move to Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid. Starting January 1, the England international will be free to negotiate terms with other clubs.

The report suggests that Real Madrid is ready to enter talks when the transfer window opens, although Liverpool reportedly prefers allowing Alexander-Arnold to leave on a free transfer in the summer rather than for a fee in January.

His decision is said to be partly motivated by the opportunity to play alongside his close friend and England teammate, Jude Bellingham.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher recently warned that Alexander-Arnold’s legacy at Anfield could be affected if he departs on a free transfer.

“If he stays at the club, he’ll be remembered as one of Liverpool’s greatest players, not far behind Steven Gerrard,” Carragher said.

“If he doesn’t, he won’t be remembered in the same way. Fans also worry about losing him without compensation, leaving no funds for a replacement.”

Carragher advised that Alexander-Arnold should consider signing a new contract with a reasonable buyout clause, allowing a move to Real Madrid in the future without controversy.

This season, Alexander-Arnold has played in 15 of Liverpool’s 18 Premier League matches, contributing four assists.