Trent Alexander-Arnold officially joins Real Madrid ahead of Club World Cup
Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the defender set to join the Spanish giants on 1 June after Liverpool accepted a transfer fee to release him early from his contract.
The move will see Alexander-Arnold arrive in time to participate in the expanded Club World Cup, which begins on 14 June in the United States.
FIFA approved a special transfer window from 1 to 10 June to allow clubs to register new players specifically for the tournament.
🤩 #WelcomeTrent 🤩 pic.twitter.com/FkySMnU5cs
Alexander-Arnold, 26, who has been at Liverpool since joining the club’s youth system at the age of six, had already confirmed his intention to leave the club this summer.
The defender signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid.
Under his previous contract, Alexander-Arnold would have been able to leave Liverpool on a free transfer when it expired on 30 June.
Accoridng to reports, the early release was granted due to Real Madrid offering around $11 million to Liverpool to integrate Trent immediately with his new team.
🚨 BREAKING: Real Madrid reach agreement with Liverpool to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for Club World Cup. #RMFC to pay €10m (guaranteed + 1 payment - up from original indication of £850,000. #LFC also save wages & bonuses. 6yr deal @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/2loc692qIJ
During his Liverpool career, Alexander-Arnold made 352 appearances, scoring 23 goals and providing 86 assists.
He helped the club secure two Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League trophy, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the FA Cup, and the League Cup.
Earlier this month, Alexander-Arnold cited a desire for a "new challenge" and to push himself "personally and professionally" as reasons for his departure.
At Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold will join England teammate Jude Bellingham and link up with former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, 43, who recently took over as the club’s head coach.
Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti after Real Madrid failed to win a major domestic or European trophy for the first time since the 2020-21 season.