REAL MADRID could include an English backbone in their starting XI next season.
Los Blancos look set to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer after the Liverpool star announced he is leaving his boyhood club at the end of the season.
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While Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also reportedly being tracked by the La Liga super club.
Three Lions star Jude Bellingham has already established himself as a regular at the Bernabeu.
The former Birmingham youngster made the switch to Spain from Dortmund for £115million in July 2023.
He has since gone on to become an England standout and one of Real Madrid’s star players.
Now Bellingham could be joined in the Spanish capital by two familiar faces over the summer.
Good pal Alexander-Arnold, 26, was the subject of interest from Madrid in the January transfer window and is now thought to be on the verge of a six-year deal with the club worth £240,000-per-week.
The full-back announced in an emotional video that he is leaving Liverpool on the expiration of his deal at the end of the season.
And while a move to Madrid hasn’t been officially announced, Alexander-Arnold hinted at his future during his announcement video.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s emotional goodbye
Here’s a look at Alexander-Arnold’s goodbye statement in full…
After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.
This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.
I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.
This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years. From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.
But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.
I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.
I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all. My love for this club will never die.
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He said: “I think the decision for me is personal. To change my environment, to challenge myself elsewhere.
“It’s not about wanting to find something better, it’s about me and my personal journey as a player and I feel like now is the best time for me to go and experience that.
“People won’t be happy with the decision, but it’s something I feel that I need to do with my career”.
Liverpool already have a ready-made replacement in Conor Bradley, with the youngster set for a mega 650 per cent pay rise at Anfield.
Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton is also being “closely monitored” by Madrid scouts.
The 21-year-old recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.
He has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22m in January 2024.
Madrid chief scout Juni Calafat is also said to be a big fan of the midfielder.
Wharton even made a break into the England setup last season, being called up for the Euro 2024 tournament.
Madrid veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.
Central midfielder Wharton and full-back Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill in replacing those departing stars.
But a Three Lions reunion in Madrid would not come cheap.
Wharton is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool.
He would cost in the region of £70m, according to ESPN.
Should the pair end up in Spain, Madrid’s potential XI next season could feature a strong backbone of English players.
In our predicted line-up, ex-Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois starts between the sticks.
Alexander-Arnold slots in at right back, alongside fellow defenders Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy.
In midfield, Wharton could partner Bellingham and Federico Valverde.
While upfront, the feared trio of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo would spearhead the attack.
