'I think Trent Alexander-Arnold will copy Steven Gerrard - but Liverpool needs to step up'

John-Arne Riise believes The right-back is close to entering the final eight months of his Reds contract, and from January onwards he will be able to negotiate with foreign clubs over a possible free transfer at the end of the season.

Madrid has signed a number of high-profile free agents in recent years, including Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger, and could follow in their footsteps. The European champion is in need of a new right-back following and the Liverpool right-back is said to have been made a top target ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Alexander-Arnold is , and Riise believes the talks will ultimately prove to be successful. "I think it’s important to keep Trent, to be honest," Riise told "He’s a local player, an unbelievably good player. It would be really disappointing for the fans, the club, and the city if he leaves because he’s such a local lad, proving you can come from the area and perform at the highest level.

"At the same time, Trent needs to feel wanted—whether it’s the type of contract or the plans the club has for him in the future. But he’s in a good position to negotiate. If Real Madrid is in the picture and you’re performing at a high level, the club really needs to step up. I think Trent’s waiting for Liverpool to show that love and commitment that he wants to sign. But at the same time it’s tough because Real Madrid is a massive club, but I think it means more to Trent to be a local hero.

"I was there with Steven Gerrard when he almost left for Chelsea. We were close friends, and I could see how much the discussions in the papers affected Stevie mentally and physically and mood wise. He was really close to going, but in the end, the love for the club and the city meant more than a trophy or two. And I think Trent will do the same and stay."

Riise said that he wants to see Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk remain at the club as well, but conceded it will cost a lot of money to tie the pair down to renewals at Anfield.

"This is a really hard one," Riise said. "I think it all depends on what he (Salah) wants. If he shows that he really wants to stay, I think Liverpool will keep him. But it's difficult because there's been talk about Saudi Arabia and all that. He looks sharp now, relaxed, enjoying his football. But is he enjoying it because he knows it’s his last year? I have no idea. It's a tough call. I'd keep him, but it's going to cost a lot to do so. But if you let him go, who do you get to replace him? That's going to cost a lot, and you’re not guaranteed to find someone who can give you the goals and assists he does. That’s why I would try to keep him.

"Liverpool look strong now. I think Salah and Van Dijk are watching to see if we're competitive this year. The team looks good, top of the league, new manager, new ideas. For those two, it’s crucial to know we can still challenge for the title. If we lose both, we’d have to start over with two of our most influential players gone. It’s not just about finding replacements; what message does it send to the fans? It would be a tough one for the club. But at the end of the day, the players need to show they want to be there and work hard for the club. Right now, things look really good, and we’re top of the league. The club should do whatever they can to keep those two."