Liverpool could still be in line to receive a fee from Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold – although fans shouldn’t get their hopes up too much about the amount the Reds could get.
The right-back is of course set to exit Anfield this summer, having confirmed his decision to leave at the end of his contract. To no one’s surprise, a move to Real Madrid looks to be the next step, and it should be just a matter of time before his switch to the Bernabeu is confirmed.
In fact, Alexander-Arnold could be playing for Los Blancos before his contract at Liverpool is even due to expire. With Real in action at this summer’s revamped Club World Cup in the US, the Spanish giant is said to have made an approach to sign the 26-year-old early so that he can be involved at the tournament.
Real’s first game of the competition is against Al-Hilal on June 18. Alexander-Arnold’s contract at Liverpool though runs until June 30, by which time his new side will hope to be preparing for a last-16 tie.
Therefore, Real could find itself having to pay a transfer fee in order to buy Alexander-Arnold out of the final weeks of his contract.
It has been confirmed that there will be a window before the tournament for clubs to sign and register players, giving Liverpool one final opportunity to recoup a fee for the academy graduate – although it doesn’t look as though they will be getting much in return.
According to BBC Sport, Real is considering an offer of around $1.1 million in order for Alexander-Arnold to be released early from his deal.
(Image: Getty Images)
It’s a far cry from the bid that was rejected by Liverpool on New Year’s Eve, which was reported by some to have been around $27M, but with just weeks to go until his contract expires and his mind already made up, the Reds are not really in a position to demand much more.
To sweeten the deal, it’s also claimed that Real might be willing to pay the wages Liverpool owes to Alexander-Arnold. Discussions between all of the parties involved are said to be amicable as they look for a solution.
Alexander-Arnold’s announcement on Monday was met with a mixed reception among Liverpool fans, with many unhappy at his decision to run down his contract. However, he hopes his relationship with supporters can remain intact for the remainder of the season.
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“Don’t let this cast a dark cloud over the season and let everyone celebrate what we’ve achieved as a club,” he said.
“Enjoy the home and away games, the guards of honour, the celebrations, everything that comes with it. I’m hoping we’re able to celebrate it together.
“I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed.
“At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.”
