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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Barcelona wanted to sign Alexander-Arnold</li><li>Met with his agents earlier in the campaign</li><li>Liverpool right-back on the verge of joining Real </li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Revealed: Trent Alexander-Arnold could've joined Barcelona instead of Real Madrid after Catalan giants held talks with Liverpool star's agents earlier this season

<p>According to a report from <em>Cadena SER </em>(h/t <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/barca-tanteo-fichaje-alexander-arnold-115720214" target="_blank">SPORT</a>), Barcelona attempted to hijack Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid this summer by meeting the Liverpool right-back's agents earlier in the season. The Catalans have been actively looking to sign a new right-back to bolster their backline for next season and have been reported to be interested in Alexander-Arnold for a few years.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Alexander-Arnold is into the final few months of his existing contract at Liverpool, and hasn't penned a new deal with the Reds. Real Madrid, for months, have been leading the race to sign the England international on a free transfer. Transfer experts <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/trent-alexander-arnold-real-madrid-confirmed-liverpool-star-reaches-agreement-in-principle-la-liga-giants-long-term-contract/blt108fcf31f0246072" target="_blank">Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic's David Ornstein both confirmed the news earlier this week that Los Blancos were in advanced stages of completing the signing of the Reds' star</a> this summer, with only the final details such as length of the contract and wages left to be sorted out. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>However, it turns out that the 26-year-old could have joined Madrid's eternal rivals Barcelona instead. Per <em>Cadena SER's </em>scoop, the Catalans were interested in signing him when Xavi and Jordi Cruyff were still a part of the club.</p><p>Their latest attempt, meanwhile, came earlier in the season, with Barca sporting director Deco holding a meeting with Alexander-Arnold's agents to understand the feasibility of signing him this summer. However, due to the Blaugrana's well-documented financial constraints, the England international's move to Catalonia was deemed unrealistic.</p><p></p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>It has been all but confirmed that Alexander-Arnold will leave Anfield and arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu next season, reportedly on a five-year deal where <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/payday-trent-details-alexander-arnold-lucrative-real-madrid-contract-revealed-free-transfer-liverpool-replacement/blta6c7d021c4f0c00a#cseb6dd40b9a2f9b52" target="_blank">he will earn €15 million (£13m/$16m) per season</a>.</p><p>The full-back will be key to Arne Slot's plans for the remaining nine Premier League games. Liverpool hold a healthy 12-point lead at the top of the table and will next face local rivals Everton next Wednesday, April 2, in what promises to be a riveting Merseyside derby.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

Revealed: Trent Alexander-Arnold could've joined Barcelona instead of Real Madrid after Catalan giants held talks with Liverpool star's agents earlier this season | Goal.com

Barcelona attempted to hijack Trent Alexander-Arnold&apos;s move to Real Madrid by meeting the Liverpool star&apos;s agents earlier in the season.

Revealed: Trent Alexander-Arnold could&apos;ve joined Barcelona instead of Real Madrid after Catalan giants held talks with Liverpool star&apos;s agents earlier this season