The signing of Alexander-Arnold by Real Madrid seems to be an open secret. With the first question answered, after the player announced that he will not be continuing at Liverpool next season, the only thing left to know is which team he will be joining. Although English football circles take it for granted that his destination will be the Santiago Bernabéu, the club has given no indication that this information is correct, but the truth is that his destination will be the Spanish capital.
An established right-back
Alexander-Arnold has been at the top of English football for several years. At 26 years of age (he will be 27 in October), the footballer is at the peak of his career and at his most mature. We are talking about a right-back with a lot of experience, who is very comfortable in attacking areas, can play as a pivot and in midfield, and has spectacular ball control, both on the run and from set pieces, with a silky touch that allows him to place the ball exactly where he wants it.
We are talking about a position, right back, that Real Madrid needs to improve. The return of Carvajal is unknown; no one knows how the Leganés native will return after the serious injury that caused him to miss much of the season. And Lucas Vázquez has proven that he is not ready to fill that role, especially in high-pressure games for the team. With the arrival of Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid is strengthening a position with a world-class player, one of the best in that position, which represents a significant change in the squad, raising the quality of the team.
When will Alexander-Arnold arrive?
Although everything indicates that the player will arrive at Real Madrid next season, another scenario is opening up for the Whites, and that is when Alexander-Arnold will join the team, whether before or after the Club World Cup. The truth is that FIFA has opened a transfer window so that participating clubs can register players before July 1, the date on which the market officially opens each year. However, the case of Real Madrid and Alexander-Arnold is somewhat unique.
We are talking about a player who will be a free agent with his team as of July 1. Therefore, if he arrives at Real Madrid before then, the Spanish club would initially be forced to negotiate. The fact that the English team is not participating in the summer event makes things easier, as they will not be forced to give up a player who could be a rival during the championship. But that does not mean that Liverpool will facilitate his departure, although it is expected that they will do so given the player’s history with his current team.
The truth is that Real Madrid, if they end up signing the English player, want him in the team now, they want him for this important date. The Club World Cup does not seem to be generating much excitement at the moment, but the financial rewards make it a priority tournament for any participant.
The future of Real Madrid and Alexander-Arnold looks set to come together this summer. With this move, Real Madrid would take a leap forward in one of the most questioned positions this season. The question is when we will see the English player in the white shirt, whether this summer or at the start of next season. Talks between the clubs will ultimately determine whether the full-back will make his debut for Real Madrid this June in a historic event for world football.