From £180k to £350k Per Week: Liverpool’s Prince Demands a Pay Raise, Rejects Three Contract Offers

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s homegrown star and vice-captain, has entered a pivotal stage in his career. With his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2025, Liverpool are eager to secure their "prince" for the long term. However, negotiations have hit a roadblock, as the 26-year-old reportedly demands a weekly salary of £350,000—far beyond what the club is prepared to offer.

The Current Situation

Alexander-Arnold’s existing contract, signed in the summer of 2021, earns him £180,000 per week. According to The Sun, Liverpool have offered a substantial pay increase of £70,000 per week, which would raise his weekly salary to £250,000. While this offer reflects Liverpool’s intent to retain one of their most influential players, it falls significantly short of Alexander-Arnold’s expectations.

Reports indicate that the right-back’s demand for £350,000 per week mirrors the salary of Liverpool’s current highest earner, Mohamed Salah. Salah, whose contract also expires in the summer of 2025, is yet to finalize an extension, leaving Liverpool with two high-profile contract dilemmas.

Why Alexander-Arnold Wants £350,000

Alexander-Arnold’s confidence in demanding such a high salary stems from his growing stature in European football and the interest he has garnered from Real Madrid. The Englishman’s performances, particularly his ability to dictate play from deep and his leadership on the pitch, have solidified his reputation as one of the best right-backs in the world.

Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold has been well-documented, especially following Dani Carvajal’s long-term injury. The Spanish giants are reportedly keen to bring him to the Santiago Bernabéu, with Jude Bellingham—Alexander-Arnold’s close friend and former England teammate—actively encouraging the move.

The Financial Breakdown

Spanish outlet AS has analyzed Alexander-Arnold’s financial demands, estimating that his desired £350,000 weekly salary translates to a pre-tax annual income of €22 million. This figure places him among the top earners at Real Madrid:

• Kylian Mbappé (projected): €35 million
• David Alaba, Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham: €22-24 million
• Fede Valverde: €16.8 million
• Thibaut Courtois: €15 million

While Real Madrid are unlikely to offer Alexander-Arnold a €22 million annual salary outright, a free transfer in 2025 could make the deal more feasible. The absence of a transfer fee would allow the club to allocate a significant signing bonus, effectively bridging the gap between his demands and their wage structure.

Liverpool’s Dilemma

Liverpool remain confident in their ability to secure Alexander-Arnold’s signature, despite reports from Marca that the defender has already rejected three contract offers. The club is determined to avoid losing him in the January transfer window, but the situation presents a delicate balancing act.

Meeting Alexander-Arnold’s £350,000-per-week demand would create a domino effect within the squad. Salah’s ongoing negotiations would undoubtedly be impacted, as the Egyptian forward would expect parity or an increase on his current salary. Additionally, Virgil van Dijk, who earns £220,000 per week, might also seek a revised deal to reflect his status as a senior leader in the team.

The Stakes for Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold’s preference is reportedly to stay at Liverpool, where he has deep roots and a £5 million mansion in Cheshire. However, his decision to hold out for a significant pay raise indicates a desire to be recognized as one of the club’s top earners, reflecting his contributions both on and off the pitch.

The vice-captaincy, awarded to him this season, has further highlighted his importance to the squad. His versatility, transitioning from a traditional right-back role to a hybrid midfield playmaker, has been instrumental in Liverpool’s tactical evolution under Jürgen Klopp.

Real Madrid’s Appeal

Real Madrid’s allure lies not only in their status as one of the world’s most prestigious clubs but also in the opportunity to reunite with Bellingham. The Spanish giants have a proven track record of attracting top English talent, and the prospect of competing for La Liga and Champions League titles could prove tempting for Alexander-Arnold.

Moreover, the financial incentives offered by Real Madrid, including a lucrative signing bonus, could outweigh Liverpool’s proposed £250,000 weekly salary.

What’s Next?

As the standoff continues, Liverpool face a critical decision: either meet Alexander-Arnold’s demands or risk losing a player who has been a cornerstone of their success. With Real Madrid waiting in the wings, the stakes could not be higher for both the player and the club.

For Alexander-Arnold, the next few months will likely determine whether he continues as Liverpool’s "prince" or embarks on a new chapter in his career at the Bernabéu.