Real Madrid see PSG ace as captain’s ‘true successor’ over Liverpool mainstay, claims pundit | OneFootball

There has been much speculation over the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold over the past year or so. The Liverpool superstar, who is currently in the final year of his contract at Anfield, has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Recent reports indicate Real Madrid have kickstarted contract talks with Alexander-Arnold, who will be allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement in the upcoming January transfer window.

Darren Bent makes bold Real Madrid transfer prediction

However, in a surprising twist, former Premier League forward Darren Bent has claimed that Real Madrid are not that big on Alexander-Arnold.

He further claimed that Los Blancos have already identified their ideal replacement for Dani Carvajal, in the form of Achraf Hakimi.

Citing his own sources, Bent said (h/t LiverpoolEcho), “Achraf Hakimi is the next one.”

Will Hakimi return to Real Madrid? (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Although the statement from the Talksport pundit should be taken with a pinch of salt, it is an interesting claim nonetheless.

Real Madrid, after all, have not been averse to eyeing a move for Hakimi in the past, knowing the Moroccan has firmly established himself as one of the best right-backs in Europe.

Talking about Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold, Bent said, “What I’ve heard is that Real Madrid are quite big on their dressing room and Dani Carvajal, what is he – 32? So bringing someone in now would upset the dressing room because he’s such a big player.

“He’s won everything for them. Maybe in a year’s time he says I’m going, then they bring another one in, but the timing is off for that.”

Will Hakimi be an ideal signing?

Should Real Madrid go after Hakimi next summer, the right-back could be an interesting signing due to multiple factors.

For one, Hakimi is well aware of Real Madrid’s game, having played much of his football in the academy.

The former Dortmund starlet is also an attacking fullback, who can provide darting crosses into the box. This is coupled with his pace, which makes him a tailor-made fit for Real Madrid.

Although Alexander-Arnold possesses similar qualities, Hakimi could be more tactically suited to Real Madrid’s game.

However, acquiring the Moroccan’s services could be tricky given Real Madrid’s fractured relationship with PSG. But with his contract expiring in 2026, it will be interesting to see whether or not Hakimi rejoins his former club next summer.

In his closing statement, though, Bent did admit that turning down Real Madrid will be difficult for Alexander-Arnold.

“That is the only place he would want to go [other than staying at Liverpool]. Real Madrid, why would you not want to play for that team, with that manager, with some of them players?

“Could you imagine him in that team? And for his brand as well, but future Liverpool captain, he’s Liverpool through and through, that’s why I have reservations,” he said.