Real Madrid have reportedly admitted defeat in their quest to sign Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold during the January transfer window.
Madrid’s interest in the 26-year-old England star is no secret and he could still end up at the Bernabeu in the summer.
If Alexander-Arnold does not sign a new contract at Anfield then he will be able to leave on a free transfer after his current deal expires on June 30.
But Madrid, without first-choice right back Daniel Carvajal until next season, had been keen to pay a transfer fee to sign him sooner rather than later.
Two offers were made by the European champions earlier this month and both were rebuffed by Liverpool.
According to Marca, Madrid have now closed the door on their January recruitment plans, despite Carlo Ancelotti’s desire to bolster his squad.
Real Madrid have reportedly given up hope of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, 26, this winter
![Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was keen to sign the Liverpool right back sooner rather than later](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/16/94645991-14338899-image-a-8_1738169880206.jpg)
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was keen to sign the Liverpool right back sooner rather than later
Carvajal is not the only Madrid defender currently on the sidelines with a long-term injury issue. Eder Militao is also expected to miss the rest of the season.
In Carvajal’s absence, Ancelotti has turned to Lucas Vazquez to fill the void at right back, with Federico Valverde and Raul Asencio also available as emergency options.
Madrid have coped fairly well without Carvajal and currently sit top of La Liga – four points clear of city rivals Atletico and seven above Barcelona.
Despite being just 26, Alexander-Arnold is one of Liverpool’s most experienced players.
The local lad, who has been on the books at Anfield for two decades after joining the club at the age of six, is currently joint-ninth on the list of Liverpool players with the most Premier League appearances (247).
Alexander-Arnold made his first-team debut in 2016 and has since racked up 340 appearances across all competitions.
He has won eight trophies with the Reds, including the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup.
As well as winning the Champions League in 2019, Alexander-Arnold has twice been a losing finalist against Real Madrid – in 2018 and again in 2022.
![Alexander-Arnold could yet move to Madrid after his Liverpool contract expires in the summer](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/16/94645959-14338899-image-a-10_1738169920451.jpg)
Alexander-Arnold could yet move to Madrid after his Liverpool contract expires in the summer
He is well on his way to cementing legendary status at Liverpool and is the subject of a giant mural on the corner of Anfield Road, where his image is accompanied by the quote: ‘I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has come true.’
In an interview with Men in Blazers late last year, Alexander-Arnold was asked what his dreams looked like nowadays. He replied: ‘Of course, winning more trophies. But on a personal level it is building a legacy. That is something that is important.’
Asked what he meant by that, he clarified: ‘Just being spoken about in the highest regard, especially after you’ve finished [playing]. In 10 or 15 years, if I’m spoken about as one of the best right backs or the best right back then that’s what I’m playing for now and using it as motivation.’
Alexander-Arnold is not the only Liverpool star with less than six months remaining on his current contract. Centre back and captain Van Dijk is in the same position, as is lead frontman Mo Salah.