Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold may be having second thoughts about joining Real Madrid following his wild celebrations against Leicester City, former England full-back Paul Parker has theorised.
While Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have both put pen to paper on new two-year deals at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is still due to become a free agent at the end of the season and is widely expected to head for the Spanish capital.
However, the 26-year-old celebrated with unbridled passion when he scored the winner in Sunday's 1-0 victory at Leicester City, perhaps fuelling a belief among Liverpool fans that he will ultimately snub Los Blancos and continue on Merseyside.
Liverpool's success at the King Power Stadium took them to within one win of Premier League glory, whereas Real are trailing Barcelona in the La Liga title race, have been humbled by Arsenal in the Champions League and are expected to wave goodbye to Carlo Ancelotti this summer.
As a result, ex-England international and Manchester United defender Parker has suggested that Alexander-Arnold may be rethinking his decision, as his celebrations 'did not make sense', telling Sports Mole: "It's a bit dramatic, to be honest.
Parker questions whether Alexander-Arnold could perform Real Madrid U-turn
© Imago
"If he had scored against Manchester United, in a League Cup final or if it was the one that was to win them the league, I would have got it. But I think a lot of people were just scratching their heads at it. It didn't make any sense.
"Is this going to be a big story all over the place? He decides he doesn't go to Real Madrid. Are Liverpool bigger than Real Madrid because Trent Alexander said no?
"Or maybe Trent Alexander's looking at the team at the moment after what happened against Arsenal and he's saying to himself, 'I can't go there at the moment.' It could be hard work going there. They need to rebuild. He maybe just mostly wanted to go there with them as champions of Europe rather than seeing them being embarrassed by Arsenal and saying the manager's leaving."
Alexander-Arnold has seldom discussed his situation in public and remained tight-lipped at full time too, while Arne Slot insisted that the vice-captain's commitment to the Reds cannot be called into question whatsoever.
On one of the rare occasions where Alexander-Arnold did address his future, the Englishman revealed a strong desire to win the Ballon d'Or, which history suggests is more likely to occur at Real Madrid.
'Real Madrid opportunity won't come by again'
© Imago
Los Blancos have 12 Ballon d'Or wins from eight previous players, compared to just one champion from Liverpool - Michael Owen in 2001 - and Parker still believes that Alexander-Arnold cannot miss out on the chance to represent the Spanish giants.
"I still think if you've got an opportunity to go to Real Madrid, I think he's got to go," the 61-year-old added. "You don't say no to something like that because it ain't going to happen again. He's talked about it. He's even kidding himself he can win a Ballon d'Or by going there. He said that's what he wants.
"Strange as a full-back, but still. But then as well, if he goes there, he'll have competition because Carvajal will be closer coming back as well by the time it starts and that puts pressure on because he's a proper full-back as well.
"So Trent Alexander, if he wants a challenge, go to Real Madrid. If he wants to live in a comfort zone and keep everyone happy, then stay at Liverpool."
Alexander-Arnold's goal on Sunday was his 113th direct contribution from 350 Liverpool matches - 23 of his own and 90 assists - and he could earn his second Premier League winners' medal as early as Wednesday if Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace.
Paul Parker was speaking to Sports Mole on behalf of Betano.
Ben Knapton
