Rooney Backs Alexander-Arnold's Potential Move to Real Madrid, Reflects on His Own Temptations to Move to Spain
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Synopsis
Wayne Rooney defends Trent Alexander-Arnold amidst rumors of his transfer to Real Madrid, sharing his own past temptations to join a Spanish club. The English striker emphasizes the significance of such a move for Alexander-Arnold, highlighting Real Madrid's prestigious reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Rooney endorses Alexander-Arnold's potential transfer to Real Madrid.
- Real Madrid has targeted Trent as a key transfer for next season.
- Rooney shares his own experiences of being tempted by a move to Spain.
- Both Salah and Van Dijk are also nearing contract expiration.
- Madrid faces significant injury issues this season.
New Delhi, March 31 (NationPress) Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has come to the defense of Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is reportedly set to leave his lifelong club for Real Madrid this summer. The former English striker disclosed that he was also drawn to a move to Spain and comprehends the thoughts of the wing-back.
Real Madrid is striving to finalize Trent Alexander-Arnold's pre-contract agreement swiftly. The English defender has been on the radar of Los Blancos for two years, and discussions are underway between both sides in hopes of reaching an agreement before the season concludes.
"If Trent Alexander-Arnold makes the switch to Real Madrid this summer, good for him. I was once enticed by a significant move to Spain myself. If he were to leave Liverpool for any other club, one might question the decision, but given that it is Real, I don't think it can be criticized as a career choice.
"Real is the largest club in the world with an extraordinary history, making it a tremendous opportunity. I would fully understand if he felt it was impossible to turn down," Rooney expressed in a column for BBC.
Madrid had pinpointed Trent as their primary transfer target for the upcoming season, according to reports from October. Los Blancos aim to strengthen their defense at the end of the current campaign and admire Trent, who will be a free agent in June.
In addition to Trent, Mohammed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk are also nearing the conclusion of their contracts. The trio has been vital components of the Liverpool squad for nearly a decade. The Anfield club risks allowing their core players to depart for free after failing to secure agreements with the trio.
Trent has made 349 appearances for his boyhood club, netting 22 goals and providing 87 assists.
Madrid will undoubtedly seek reinforcements as the squad faces significant injuries this season. Alongside Carvajal's ACL injury, which has sidelined him for the rest of the season, the team is also missing Ferlan Mendy and Eder Militao.
"When I informed Manchester United in 2010 that I did not wish to sign a new contract and submitted a transfer request, three clubs expressed interest in me.
Manchester City is often mentioned as one of them, but I don't believe that was ever a viable option for me - the clubs that approached were Chelsea, Real, and Barcelona. In my mind, I was prepared to play in Spain, and some discussions did occur," Rooney revealed.
