LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool reacts after being substituted ... More due to injury during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on March 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images) Visionhaus/Getty Images Nothing has been signed, according to widespread reports, but the likelihood of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool at the end of the season has grown over the last few days. Reports in England and Spain claim Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign the right back as a free agent this summer, bringing to a close a season-long saga. Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only key player out of contract at Liverpool this summer. Mohamed Salah has also still to put pen to paper on a new deal with Virgil van Dijk another who will, as things stand, walk away from Anfield at the end of the 2024/25 season. The trio are arguably Liverpool’s three best players. Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold is in action with Paris St Germain's Fabian Ruiz during the UEFA ... More Champions League Round of 16, 2nd Leg match between Liverpool and Paris St Germain at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on March 11, 2025. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images The exit of Alexander-Arnold, however, will be particularly painful considering his status as a homegrown player. He came through the youth system at Liverpool and was seen as a captain in-waiting. Now, supporters are facing up to the reality that one of the best right backs in the world will seemingly be moving on. How will Liverpool plug this hole in its team? Conor Bradley is most likely to step into Alexander-Arnold’s place, as he has done impressively on occasion over the last two seasons. The Northern Irishman is ready to become Liverpool’s first-choice full back on the right side of the defence. A succession plan is in place. MORE FOR YOU Apple iPhone 17: Major New Reports Leak Design, Display And Feature Upgrades Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Wednesday, March 26th At Least 24 Dead And 27,000 Forced To Evacuate As South Korea Battles ‘Worst Ever Wildfires’ (Photos) BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Conor Bradley of Liverpool during the Premier League match ... More between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on February 19, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith - Danehouse/Getty Images) Getty Images This, however, will change the profile of Liverpool as a creative force. Alexander-Arnold is one of the best crossers of the ball in the game. He is comfortable moving into central midfield to give Liverpool another creator in the middle of the pitch. As good as Bradley is, this isn’t something he possesses in his game. Of course, this is why Real Madrid wants Alexander-Arnold in the first place. There is no other right back in world soccer like him. The Spanish giants have played much of this season without a recognised right back following Dani Carvajal’s injury. Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been on Los Blancos’ radar for the past two years. While this season has been a special one for Liverpool so far, it is approaching a crossroads. There’s still hope that Salah and van Dijk will stay for at least another season, but Alexander-Arnold’s departure would present a test for the recruitment department at the club. It might be impossible to replace the best right back in the world. Liverpool, however, may have to try. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades