The ongoing saga surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future appears to be nearing its conclusion, with reports strongly suggesting that the Liverpool right-back will join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer. After spending over two decades at the Merseyside club, the 26-year-old is seemingly set to follow a well-trodden path to the Spanish capital.
While Liverpool has seen several of its stars depart for Real Madrid over the years, only a few have truly thrived in Spain. As Alexander-Arnold prepares for a new chapter, let’s take a look at five former Reds who made the same switch and how they fared at the Bernabéu.
1. Steve McManaman – A Move That Paid Off
Steve McManaman was one of the first high-profile Liverpool players to move to Real Madrid on a free transfer after running down his contract. His decision caused controversy at the time, but it ultimately proved to be a masterstroke. The midfielder enjoyed a highly successful stint in Spain, securing two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. He even etched his name into Real Madrid history by scoring in the 2000 Champions League final against Valencia.
2. Michael Owen – A Short but Eventful Spell
Unlike McManaman, Michael Owen’s time at Real Madrid was brief. After leaving Liverpool in 2004, he struggled to secure a regular starting spot due to competition from legendary forwards like Ronaldo and Raúl. Despite scoring 13 league goals in his lone season, he opted to return to England, joining Newcastle United the following year.
3. Xabi Alonso – A Midfield Maestro in Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s departure from Liverpool in 2009 was a bitter pill for fans to swallow. However, his move to Real Madrid proved to be a seamless transition. The Spanish playmaker became a key figure in Madrid’s midfield, winning La Liga and a Champions League title before eventually heading to Bayern Munich.
4. Jerzy Dudek – The Forgotten Transfer
Best remembered for his heroics in Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League triumph, Jerzy Dudek moved to Real Madrid later in his career. However, his time in Spain was spent largely on the sidelines as he served as a backup goalkeeper, making just two league appearances in four years.
5. Álvaro Arbeloa – A Reliable Presence
Arbeloa’s career came full circle when he rejoined Real Madrid from Liverpool after originally coming through Madrid’s youth system. The full-back played over 200 games for Los Blancos, winning La Liga once and the Champions League twice before transitioning into a coaching role at the club.
As Alexander-Arnold prepares to embark on his own journey at Real Madrid, he will undoubtedly hope to follow in the footsteps of McManaman and Alonso rather than suffer the fate of Owen or Dudek. Only time will tell whether this move will elevate his career or prove to be a gamble.
What do you think? Will Alexander-Arnold thrive at Real Madrid? Share your thoughts in the comments!