It certainly feels like the saga has benefited nobody: not Liverpool, who have had uncertainty shrouding the future of one of their crown jewels; not the player, who has surely been conscious of the speculation; and not even Madrid, who would have wanted him to join in January given the injury to right-back Dani Carvajal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid on a free transfer, and the vice-captain’s departure will create an issue in squad-building. Alexander-Arnold is widely reported to be finalising the details of a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid, with the intention of joining at the end of the season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is edging closer to joining Real Madrid, who look poised to sign him on a free transfer when his contract with boyhood club Liverpool expires this summer