Liverpool go ‘all in’ to beat Barcelona to Alexander-Arnold replacement

Liverpool appear to be preparing for life after Trent Alexander-Arnold, with reports in Spain claiming that Arne Slot’s side are looking to snatch a replacement right-back from under the noses of Barcelona.

Alexander-Arnold is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and has been earmarked as a priority target for Real Madrid, who are hoping to sign the defender on a free transfer next summer.

Although Liverpool have not given up hope of tying Alexander-Arnold to a new deal, the 26-year-old has hinted that he is tempted by a move to Real in order to further his ambition of winning trophies.

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The uncertainty has led to Liverpool considering potential successors to Alexander-Arnold and El Nacional claim that the Reds’ search has led them to Celta Vigo right-back Oscar Mingueza.

Mingueza has begun the new season in fine form, scoring twice and grabbing five assists in nine games, and a €20 million release clause in his contract has attracted the attention of Liverpool.

The 25-year-old’s former side Barcelona still retain 50% of Mingueza’s rights and had been hoping to resign the defender on a cut-price deal but Liverpool’s interest has left the Catalan’s ‘resigned’ to missing out on a top target.

Liverpool have edge over Barcelona in Mingueza race

Mingueza came through Barcelona’s academy and made more than 50 appearances for the club’s first team before moving to Celta in 2022 for just €3m.

The relatively low-fee was subsidised by Barcelona’s clause with the La Liga giants aiming to bring back Mingueza but the report claims that Liverpool are ready to go ‘all out’ to ensure they win the race for his signature.

Mingueza’s contract expires in 2026 and he has one cap for the Spanish national team, while his ability to play at centre-back as well as at full-back or wing-back is said to be a huge reason as to why Slot has become ‘convinced’ of his quality.

A January transfer could become a reality if Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real becomes more concrete, with Celta Vigo keen to sell to Liverpool rather than Barcelona due to the opportunity to make a significant profit on Mingueza.