Real Madrid has reportedly approached Liverpool to see if it can sign Trent Alexander-Arnold before his contract expires at the end of June.
The defender confirmed on Monday that he will leave his boyhood club at the end of the season, and while there was no mention of where he will move to, it’s expected he will join Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold is officially a Liverpool player until his contract ends on 30 June, a sticking point for Real who plays in the Club World Cup this summer. The Spanish side faces Al-Hilal in its first match of the tournament on 18 June.
Should Real wish for Alexander-Arnold, whose final game for Liverpool comes on 25 May, to play in the USA-based tournament, it will have to pay a transfer fee to buy him out of the final weeks of his contract.
As per journalist David Lynch, the reigning European champions have already initiated proceedings.
“Real Madrid have made an approach to Liverpool as they look to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold prior to the expiry of his contract so that he can participate in the Club World Cup,” he wrote on X. “The defender’s deal is set to run out on June 30, 12 days after Real’s first game in the tournament.”
It’s a report that has been echoed by Sky Sports, with the broadcaster claiming Real is “determined” to land Alexander-Arnold before the Club World Cup.
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Spanish outlet COPE states the 26-year-old will be “Real Madrid’s first signing next season”, with Los Blancos planning to open negotiations with Liverpool over a possible deal.
Real intends to pay €1million ($1.13M/£0.85M) to purchase the player early and offer Alexander-Arnold a six-year contract.
It’s understood the England international’s decision to leave Liverpool was born out of a desire to enjoy a new challenge and experience a different league and culture, something Liverpool cannot offer.
He will be part of Liverpool’s squad for the final three matches of the season, and will be involved in the bus parade at the end of the campaign. His reception by the fans over the coming weeks will be fascinating, especially given his decision to leave his boyhood club has divided the fanbase.
In a message to fans after he confirmed his plans to leave, Alexander-Arnold said he hoped it would not ruin his relationship with supporters.
“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.”
