Real Madrid have agreed to pay Liverpool €10 million to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of schedule, allowing the right-back to play in the full Club World Cup campaign this summer.
The Spanish giants acted quickly to secure the 26-year-old, who had been due to join as a free agent on July 1, after the expiration of his contract at Anfield.
The agreement between the two clubs means Alexander-Arnold will join Madrid immediately. The deal benefits Liverpool financially, not only through the lump sum payment but also by relieving the club of his remaining salary and bonus obligations. Alexander-Arnold has agreed to a six-year deal with the European champions.
Madrid were eager to have the England international available for all matches in the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, especially their group games against Al Hilal, Pachuca, and Red Bull Salzburg. If they had waited until his contract expired, the defender would have only been eligible for the tournament’s knockout stage under FIFA’s mid-tournament registration window.
The transfer talks were finalized earlier in the week but were briefly delayed due to a tragic incident during Liverpool’s title celebration, where a vehicle drove into a crowd, injuring dozens. Despite the delay, both clubs returned to the table and struck a deal in time for Madrid’s summer plans.
Madrid have had Alexander-Arnold on their radar since the beginning of the season. With Dani Carvajal sidelined by a knee injury and Lucas Vazquez likely to leave the club soon, right-back became a position of urgent need. In January, Madrid were even willing to pay €40 million to get their man, but Liverpool declined to engage as they were focused on the Premier League title race.
Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool after an illustrious career that began in the club’s youth ranks. Over 354 appearances, he netted 23 goals and provided 92 assists. His list of honours includes two league titles, a Champions League trophy, and multiple domestic cups. While some fans expressed disappointment over his decision to leave — including booing him during a match against Arsenal — he was also applauded during the final home game of the season and took part in the club’s title celebrations.
This early move marks a significant moment in Alexander-Arnold’s career and signals Madrid’s determination to strengthen their squad ahead of a demanding season. His arrival provides immediate depth and experience to a side aiming for global success.