Trent Alexander-Arnold's Choice Between Dream Real Madrid Move Or Lasting Liverpool Legacy

Trent Alexander-Arnold's proposed move from Liverpool to Real Madrid has split opinion on whether a local hero can leave Merseyside without a lasting stain on his legacy. Alexander-Arnold joined the Reds 20 years ago as a six-year-old and has gone on to win a clean sweep of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup titles. His status is reflected in a mural that stands just metres from the club's Anfield stadium, emblazoned with the quote: "I'm just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has just come true."

However, how he will be remembered for years to come in his home city will for many be dictated by the decision he takes in the coming weeks over his future.

Alexander-Arnold's contract expires at the end of the season, meaning Madrid have to pay no transfer fee for a player who has smashed Premier League records when it comes to a creative output from a right-back.

Here, AFP Sport looks at the key considerations facing the 26-year-old ahead of a career-defining call.

Madrid's compelling case

Liverpool like to lord over their Premier League rivals their six European Cups as by a distance the most successful English club in the competition's history.

Madrid are in a league of their own with 15 European Cup or Champions League triumphs, including six in the past 11 years.

On top of the lifestyle benefits that a switch to the Spanish sunshine offers, Alexander-Arnold would be lining up each week alongside his close friend and England colleague Jude Bellingham, among a cast of stars also including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

The spotlight at the state-of-the-art, newly refurbished Santiago Bernabeu could also offer Alexander-Arnold the chance to fulfil his dream of