According to a source, Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave Liverpool before a highly anticipated transfer to Real Madrid was not influenced by the possibility of playing with his "great friend" Jude Bellingham, unlike what many have speculated.
Alexander-Arnold declared his intention to go this summer, putting an end to the months of conjecture surrounding his future at Liverpool. Although his presence in the Spanish capital has not yet been confirmed, the Santiago Bernabéu has long been touted as his future stop.
Real Madrid has a lot of attractive features. The record European champions provide Alexander-Arnold a higher platform to fulfill his self-declared goal of winning the Ballon d'Or because they seldom ever go a season without winning anything, much less contending for one.
As Alexander-Arnold apparently rejected a "significant" wage increase offered to him by Liverpool, money also seems to have been a secondary source of incentive for him. Instead, the 26-year-old, celebrated as the youngest Englishman to win all major honors at one club, is instead pursuing a "new challenge."
For Alexander-Arnold, playing with Bellingham is nothing new. Together, the two have earned 12 England caps, including four at the European Championship last summer. Bellingham pointedly joined Alexander-Arnold in celebrating his tournament debut goal against Serbia.
Bellingham firmly dispelled rumors regarding his position as "Agent Jude" when he was questioned about it prior to Real Madrid's November visit to Anfield. He said that he would be next to him on the national team, so that was guaranteed.
Talking about him prior to such a significant game is insulting, since he plays for Liverpool. The most crucial thing is to relieve him of the pressure. Regardless of tomorrow, I usually want him to succeed since he is a terrific buddy of mine.
Although their friendship is really a bonus and not the main reason for Alexander-Arnold's upcoming visit to Madrid, those two buddies may soon be reunited.