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Real Madrid are trying to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Santiago Bernabeu before the Club World Cup starts on June 14. They are talking to Liverpool about possible compensation.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid this summer. He confirmed he will leave Anfield when his contract ends in June. Madrid have a verbal agreement with the 26-year-old, who has spent his career at Liverpool. Madrid want to speed up his transfer so he can play in the Club World Cup, starting on June 14, even though his Liverpool contract runs until June 30.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Liverpool, where he has played 352 matches and won nine major trophies, has already made waves. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher thinks the defender’s “one of our own” status with fans has “diminished” because of his choice to join Madrid. This is a big move for Real Madrid, who see Alexander-Arnold as a key player for next season and the Club World Cup.
Liverpool are top of the Premier League with two games left in the 2024/25 season, aiming for their third league title. Their success makes Alexander-Arnold’s exit surprising to many fans.
WHAT’S THE TIMELINE?
Alexander-Arnold’s six-year contract with Real Madrid starts in July 2025, making him unavailable for the early Club World Cup games. The tournament ends on July 13, so he could join later if his Madrid contract starts as planned. But Madrid are looking at options to sign him sooner, which would mean paying Liverpool a fee to release him early.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
Liverpool must now prepare for life without their homegrown star, who has been with the club for 20 years. They have tried several times to renew Alexander-Arnold’s contract, but failed. With their final two Premier League matches coming up, Liverpool are focused on winning the title while starting to look for a replacement right-back. They play Aston Villa at home this weekend, sitting three points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will continue talks about the compensation package needed to bring Alexander-Arnold to Spain before the Club World Cup begins. His arrival could be a key part of their plan for the tournament.
