Alexander-Arnold and Zubimendi deals in an alternative Liverpool transfer window

Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, Martin Zubimendi deal - Liverpool's alternative transfer window

The ECHO takes a look at how an alternate Liverpool winter transfer window could have turned out for the Reds, Real Madrid and Trent Alexander-Arnold this month

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Liverpool have still yet to make a significant move this winter transfer window. The Reds have not made a single signing and their only business has involved fringe first-team players.

Marcelo Pitaluga and Tom Hill are the only two players to leave permanently, joining Fluminense and Harrogate Town, respectively. Calvin Ramsay and Stefan Bajcetic have also been rerouted to Kilmarnock and Las Palmas on loan after spending the first half of this season elsewhere.

As for incomings, the club are already prioritising the summer. However, the ECHO has hypothesised how this month could have turned out for the Reds...

Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid

The day before this transfer window began - Real Madrid approached Liverpool on New Year's Eve about signing Trent Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool did not even contemplate selling their vice-captain despite just six months remaining on his contract.

The Spanish side was reportedly willing to pay around £20million to acquire Alexander-Arnold early instead of trying to sign the player to a pre-contract agreement ahead of a summer move. If the Reds knew late last year that their right-back had decided not to stay at Anfield, then negotiating with Madrid would have made more financial sense than allowing the player to leave for free.

Zubimendi deal agreed

Six months ago, Martin Zubimendi seemed set to become a Liverpool player. A fortnight ago, reports emerged about Arsenal closing in on signing the Real Sociedad midfielder, albeit not now, instead at the end of this season.

Manchester City also reputedly hold an interest in Zubimendi. Real Madrid are even considered a suitor of the Spain international.

The rumours no longer name the Reds. However, had Ryan Gravenberch not impressed in a defensive midfield role as much as he has, Liverpool could have pursued Zubimendi again this month and perhaps agreed to sign the player this summer ahead of time.

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