Real Madrid's upcoming jersey number for Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer
Trent Alexander-Arnold Rocks Madrid, But What's His New Squad Number?
Real Madrid's latest signing, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is ready to take on the Spanish football scene. But what number will he rock on his jersey?
Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool legend, has made the move to Real Madrid, leaving his iconic no.66 behind. But at the Spanish powerhouse, the right-back sensation won't be donning the same number. According to LaLiga rules, Alexander-Arnold can only sport a number between 1 and 25.
With only 25 players allowed in the first-team, and the reserve and academy squads occupying numbers 26 to 50, Alexander-Arnold's options are limited. Numbers 12 and 24 are currently vacant, but they don't seem to be fortuitous choices for the new Madrileno.
Numbers 4, 10, and 11 could be free in the near future, as David Alaba (4), Luka Modric (10), and Rodrygo (11) are either leaving or linked with moves away from the club.
Jude Bellingham, in homage to Zidane, might take up the no.10, freeing up number 5. But it's rumored that Kylian Mbappe could claim the no.10 after Modric's departure. Thus, number 9 could be an option for Alexander-Arnold.
Numbers 17 and 18, currently worn by Lucas Vázquez and Jesus Vallejo, will also likely be vacated as both players are leaving at the end of their contracts.
So, what number will the new "Galactico" don? As things stand, it's unclear.
Remember, for England, Alexander-Arnold has worn 12 distinct numbers: 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, and 22. He sported number 8 at the last European Championships. It's highly unlikely that Federico Valverde, who currently has number 8, will relinquish it.
Number 18 might appeal to Alexander-Arnold, considering it was his number during England's 2018 World Cup, his first major tournament. But is there another number that suits his style?
Alexander-Arnold's playing style has occasionally been likened to David Beckham's, the former high-profile "Galactico" with incredible cross-field passes and pinpoint set pieces. Perhaps he'll follow in Jude Bellingham's footsteps, asking Ferland Mendy to vacate his no.23, as a nod to the English legend, even though it might spark controversy given his ties to Manchester United, Liverpool's arch-rivals.
Stay tuned for more updates on Trent Alexander-Arnold's squad number at Real Madrid. We'll keep you updated with the latest news and analysis.
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Since Alexander-Arnold's preferred numbers, such as 18 and 23, might already be occupied, he may consider number 9, which could become available due to potential departures. Alternatively, in a nod to David Beckham, he could aim for Mendy's number 23, though this might stoke controversy given Manchester United's historical rivalry with Liverpool.
