Spanish giants Real Madrid are actively seeking to complete the transfer of England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup in June. The 26-year-old full-back, whose contract with Liverpool expires on June 30, has verbally agreed to join Real Madrid as a free agent this summer. However, Madrid is pushing for an early release to include him in their squad for the tournament scheduled in the United States.
Real Madrid has reportedly opened negotiations with Liverpool, offering around £850,000 as compensation to secure Alexander-Arnold’s early transfer. The club is also considering covering the wages Liverpool owes the player to facilitate the move. Discussions among all parties are described as amicable, with Madrid eager to have the defender available for their opening match against Al Hilal in Miami on June 18, followed by group games against Pachuca and Salzburg.
FIFA has introduced a short transfer window from June 1 to June 10, allowing clubs participating in the Club World Cup to adjust their squads ahead of the competition. This window presents an opportunity for Real Madrid to finalize Alexander-Arnold’s registration in time for the tournament. If Liverpool declines to release him early, Alexander-Arnold would miss the group stage but could still join for the latter stages, thanks to an additional registration period during the competition.
Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Liverpool marks the end of a significant chapter, having risen through the club’s academy and making over 350 appearances. He has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and multiple domestic cups with Liverpool. Despite Liverpool’s efforts to retain him-including offering a contract that would have made him the highest-paid full-back globally-Alexander-Arnold sought a new challenge, expressing a desire to grow personally and professionally.
Real Madrid’s interest intensified after their first-choice right-back, Dani Carvajal, suffered a long-term knee injury. The club views Alexander-Arnold as a key piece to strengthen their defense, which has struggled with injuries throughout the 2024/25 season. Madrid’s recruitment strategy has successfully brought in top talents on free transfers in recent years, and Alexander-Arnold fits their profile as a high-caliber addition.
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, and head coach Arne Slot reportedly held final talks with the player earlier this year, during which Alexander-Arnold confirmed his intention to leave. While the club was disappointed, they respected his decision and appreciated his commitment to finishing the season strongly.
The potential early transfer of Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid not only benefits the Spanish side by bolstering their squad for the Club World Cup but also offers Liverpool a chance to recoup a modest fee for a player who would otherwise depart on a free transfer. As negotiations continue, all eyes remain on whether the deal can be concluded before the tournament kicks off in mid-June.
