It’s official. It was an open secret and had been in the works for months, but as of today, it’s a reality. Trent Alexander-Arnold is now a Real Madrid player. The club didn’t want to wait until he became available on July 1 and reached a financial agreement with Liverpool so that the full-back can wear white during the Club World Cup.
A slow-burning transfer
The player has been a ‘One Club man’ with Liverpool, his hometown team, but a few months ago he decided not to renew his contract, which was due to expire on June 30, 2025. The main reason for this decision was the interest of Real Madrid, who had a problem on the right wing and saw the English player as the best solution to their problems.
The right side of the defense has been very much in the market with the long-term absence of Dani Carvajal, the undisputed starter in that position. With the captain out for the entire season, it was the turn of Lucas Vázquez, who was forced to convert from winger to full-back several years ago and who, this season, the last of his contract with the Whites, has proved not to be up to the task, being replaced on many occasions by Fede Valverde, a midfielder converted to full-back.
Arnold’s arrival has been in the works for months and comes to reinforce the much-needed right wing, which has been a headache for the Whites. The player stands out for his good work with his feet in putting in crosses, as well as his offensive projection, something that would fit perfectly with the three-center-back and two wing-back scheme that Xabi Alonso is expected to use.
The figures of the agreement
Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed a contract with Real Madrid until 2031. His signing had been in the works for months and, with the player’s approval, Real Madrid’s dilemma was whether to wait until his contract expired on June 30 and sign him on July 1 on a free transfer, or to sign him ahead of the Club World Cup by bringing his signing forward to June 1 after negotiating financial compensation with Liverpool.
This was ultimately the option chosen. There is talk that Real Madrid has paid around €5 million to the English club to release the player early so that he will be available to Xabi Alonso in the Club World Cup. However, this has not been officially confirmed. The player’s arrival, therefore, comes a month earlier than expected, as contracts usually end on June 30, and he will be able to play under Alonso from the first day of the tournament.
Arne Slot’s announcement
A few days ago, in one of Liverpool coach Arne Slot’s last press conferences, he had a few words to say about the player’s departure. Slot was asked directly about Alexander-Arnold’s situation, and his response left no one indifferent. “He’s leaving anyway, so why not. Maybe it’s the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso…,” he said with a smile.
However, it was a farewell and a poisoned gift, as it was accompanied by a dig. “I wasn’t completely satisfied with every minute he was on the pitch. In my opinion, there were certain moments when he could have done more, to put it mildly,” he said. “I told him he’s a much better defender than people think, but he doesn’t show it all the time,” he added.
We’ll have to see how he performs with Real Madrid, where he is now a player for the next five seasons.