Alexander-Arnold to Join Real Madrid on Free Transfer, €1M Deal for Early Club World Cup Move

Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after 20 years at the club, turning down multiple contract offers from Liverpool to seek a new challenge. The right-back has made 352 appearances and scored 23 goals for Liverpool, winning two Premier League titles, a Champions League, and a Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, with a verbal agreement reportedly reached in December 2024. Real Madrid are negotiating with Liverpool to secure his early release so he can participate in the Club World Cup, offering compensation of €900,000 to €1 million and to cover his June salary. If no agreement is reached, he may only be available for the knockout stages, which begin in July. Real Madrid's Club World Cup campaign starts against Al Hilal, followed by Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg. FIFA has set a short transfer window from June 1 to June 10 for Club World Cup teams. The contract with Real Madrid is expected to be for five or six years. Alexander-Arnold's decision was influenced by his admiration for Xabi Alonso, who is set to become Real Madrid's manager for the Club World Cup, and by encouragement from Jude Bellingham. Real Madrid continues its policy of signing top players on free transfers. Alexander-Arnold's departure has prompted local businesses such as Popworld Liverpool and Currys to humorously announce bans on him following his exit. His imminent arrival at Real Madrid is expected to impact the future of current right-back Lucas Vázquez, who could leave after the Club World Cup.