While rumors of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s imminent transfer to Real Madrid are circulating persistently, another topic has just exploded on Spanish social media: images of the English full-back appearing visibly overweight have sparked a heated debate among Madrid fans. An unexpected saga, at the intersection of sporting expectations, media stakes, and the pressure of a club where excellence is non-negotiable.

🛬 A strategic transfer… but risky?

According to several sources close to the club, Real Madrid and Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle : a five-year contract with a salary of around €11 million net per season. The stated objective: to replace Dani Carvajal in the long term , whose age and injuries are now limiting his performance.

But no sooner had the news been revealed than a photo of Alexander-Arnold, taken in Ibiza during his post-season break, sparked outrage . The shirtless player appeared to have put on a few pounds. This simple detail was enough to spark criticism:

“He’s not the body of a Real Madrid player!” ,
“He’s already arriving as a star, but he’s going to cost us a lot in the gym” ,
“Better to bet on a youngster from Castilla who’s in shape!”

🧠 A question of image or performance?

For the Whites, image control is almost as important as on-field performance . Florentino Pérez, known for his high standards, has yet to comment, but internally, some managers have reportedly expressed unease: signing an “out-of-form” player, even temporarily, could send the wrong signal to a dressing room already divided by oversized egos.

For his part, Ancelotti remains more measured. According to Cadena SER, the Italian coach has requested physical tests before any official announcement , specifying that he “still believes in talent, but demands total commitment from day 1.” A direct message addressed to the Englishman?

📉 What if Real Madrid have late doubts?

This unexpected buzz has rekindled a long-standing debate within Real: should they really be betting so much on a full-back whose level has been deemed uneven over the past two seasons ? While Alexander-Arnold has shown flashes of brilliance at Liverpool, his defensive shortcomings—often highlighted in the Premier League—could be even more exposed in La Liga, where individual duels are constant.

Some supporters are even calling for the signing to be postponed. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #NoASignatureSansCondition has trended in Spain, demonstrating the deeply divisive nature of this transfer.

🎭 A signing that promises… already a soap opera

Between tactical hopes, image management, media pressures and physical doubts, the possible arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold in Madrid seems like a risky bet, much more complex than a simple transfer window reinforcement . The player will have to quickly prove that he can carry the weight of the white jersey… literally and figuratively.

It remains to be seen whether Madrid’s management will follow through. Or whether this unfortunate snapshot will be enough to change the fate of a transfer that already seemed sealed…