Trent Alexander-Arnold might want to consider Jurgen Klopp's previous advice before sealing a switch to Spain. The Liverpool full-back is believed to be close to agreeing a deal with Real Madrid as his Anfield contract draws to a close this season.
News that the Liverpool full-back was edging closer to a move to the Spanish capital rocked Anfield earlier this month.
While Alexander-Arnold has not publicly spoken on any switch, there is a train of thought around the club that his head has been turned by Los Blancos.
Yet, he should heed the example of Philippe Coutinho's less-than-successful La Liga adventure. The ex-Liverpool midfielder made a big-money move to Barcelona in 2018 for £142million, but failed to live up to expectations.
Ex-Reds boss Klopp had even cautioned him about becoming "just another player" if he moved to clubs of the stature of Real Madrid or Barcelona – a prophetic statement that rang true. "I told [Coutinho] to stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour," Klopp said in 2019.
"Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here, you can be something more."
Coutinho's Barcelona stint went downhill by his second season, leading to his subsequent sale to Aston Villa in 2022 following only 39 goal contributions over 106 games. At present, on loan with Vasco da Gama back in Brazil, his position at Villa remains uncertain, reports the Mirror.
Coutinho has since spoken out about his decision to leave Liverpool for Barcelona, admitting that things didn't pan out as expected. "Things did not turn out [at Barcelona] as I imagined, as people expected, as I expected," the Brazilian star said.
"I am the first to demand of myself on the field, I tell myself that I have to give more on the field. I tried everything, I have always been very professional and I don't regret anything."
His experience at Barcelona could serve as a cautionary tale for Alexander-Arnold, especially with the club looking set to secure a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.
Following last week's 2-1 win over West Ham United, just six points are now required from Liverpool's remaining six games to take home their second Premier League crown in six years.
Alexander-Arnold's situation is perhaps even more glaring now that Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have finally signed contract extensions with the club, after months of speculation. Both stars have recently put pen to paper, agreeing terms to stay on Merseyside until 2027 at least.
At 26, Alexander-Arnold remains crucial in Arne Slot's plans. However rumours cease to quell that he craves for a fresh adventure outside England, after scooping up every domestic honour at Anfield. Yet Coutinho's departure serves as a stark reminder that success elsewhere can be elusive.
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