Yamal BLOCKS major Alexander-Arnold deal

Barcelona have reportedly decided against signing Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in order to prioritise the development of Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

Alexander-Arnold is set to become a free agent when his current contract at Anfield expires next summer and he is expected to leave his boyhood club rather than sign a new deal.

Real Madrid are the frontrunners to land the England international as they continue to search for Dani Carvajal’s long-term heir, but Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for the 26-year-old.

READ MORE: The MASSIVE cost of Liverpool transfer DOOMSDAY revealed

However, the Blaugrana will not sign Alexander-Arnold in 2025, according to reports in Spain.

The Camp Nou giants have been heavily linked with a new right-back amid Jules Kounde’s uncertain future at the club, but they are eager to retain faith in the France international due to the protection he provides Yamal.

The 17-year-old has flourished since his breakthrough into Barcelona’s senior side and the club want to prioritise his development to ensure he reaches his potential.

Alexander-Arnold, however, is reportedly viewed as a defensive liability, with Barca believing he wouldn’t allow Yamal the platform to shine. As a result, they have reportedly ended their pursuit of the Liverpool star, giving Real Madrid a free run to sign him.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid?

While Barcelona are now extremely unlikely to sign Alexander-Arnold, Jamie Carragher believes the Liverpool academy graduate is almost destined to join Real Madrid.

Speaking to Sky Sports after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, he said: “My first thought when I saw that is you’re not going to win the Ballon d’Or as a right-back for Liverpool.

“Ballon d’Or winners normally play for Real Madrid or Barcelona. That’s where the best players in the world go.

“If that is his ultimate ambition – I think he was asked about winning the Champions League, the World Cup or the Ballon d’Or and he went for the Ballon d’Or – which I think is a bit strange or bizarre because it is a team game, but he has got massive ambitions and why not? You’ve only got one career, he’s a unique full back and he’s absolutely amazing.

“But the first thing that came to me when I read that interview is that it makes me think he is going to Real Madrid.

“I actually think Virgil Van Dijk and Mo Salah will stay. I do believe that, but the longer it goes on with Trent, the more I feel he is going to leave.”