The future of Trent Alexander-Arnold remains uncertain, sparking widespread speculation. While his potential move to Real Madrid seems imminent, former footballer and current manager Wayne Rooney has suggested that nothing is set in stone and that he wouldn’t be surprised if the defender decides to stay at Liverpool.

In a column for the BBC, Rooney, who faced a similar situation in 2010 with Manchester United, analyzed why Alexander-Arnold might seek a new challenge abroad. However, he also pointed out that the right-back could ultimately change his mind.

Alexander-Arnold’s Dilemma: A New Challenge or Loyalty to Liverpool?

According to Rooney, Alexander-Arnold’s interest in Real Madrid is understandable, especially given the opportunity to play alongside stars like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Jr.. He also recalled that during his own career, he was close to leaving Manchester United in 2010, with offers from Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

"In my mind, I was ready to play in Spain. There were talks, and at one point, it seemed like I was headed for Real Madrid, but I always thought more about Barcelona and how I would fit into a team with Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets. In the end, I stayed at Manchester United, but I understand how difficult this decision can be," Rooney admitted.

While Alexander-Arnold may be looking for a fresh challenge, Rooney believes his decision is not solely about winning titles, as he has already claimed every major trophy with Liverpool. Instead, the lure of playing in a different league and his close friendship with Bellingham could play a crucial role in his potential move to Spain.

An Uncertain Ending

Despite the ongoing rumors, Rooney insisted that nothing has been finalized yet. "Many people are upset that he might leave for free, but this is a decision made by both Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold. We don’t know exactly why his contract has been allowed to run down, but the club has done the same before with players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Roberto Firmino, and Georginio Wijnaldum," the former footballer explained.

For Rooney, uncertainty is a natural part of these situations, and he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the defender staying at Anfield. "Alexander-Arnold hasn’t signed anything with Real Madrid yet, and I wouldn’t be surprised if, after everything, he ends up renewing with Liverpool. Until a contract is signed, anything can happen—I know that from personal experience," he concluded.

For now, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future remains undecided. Will he become Real Madrid’s next big star, or will he continue his legacy with Liverpool? Only time will tell.