In a transfer move that has sent shockwaves through European football, Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid on Sunday, 1 June, after Liverpool accepted a fee to release the England right-back from his contract one month early.
The deal ensures the 26-year-old will be eligible to represent the Spanish giants in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off later this month in the United States.
Liverpool sources confirm that the club has received a €10 million (£8.4 million) payment from Real Madrid as a single, up-front sum for the early release. However, some within the Madrid camp suggest the fee may be lower, though the exact figure remains undisclosed by either club.
The move comes weeks after Alexander-Arnold announced his intention to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract, which was set to expire on June 30. Instead, he now begins a new chapter in his career with the 14-time European champions, signing a six-year deal that includes a staggering €1 billion (£840 million) buy-out clause.
The additional transfer window approved by FIFA from 1–10 June, specifically for Club World Cup registration, has enabled Madrid to make the move in time. Alexander-Arnold is expected to debut for Los Blancos during their opening group stage fixture against Al-Hilal on 18 June in Miami.
A local hero at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold’s journey began when he joined Liverpool’s youth ranks at just six years old. Over the next two decades, he developed into one of the club’s most influential modern-day players and arguably one of the finest attacking full-backs of his generation.
His time at Liverpool saw him lift virtually every major honour available, including two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup. He departs Merseyside with 23 goals and 92 assists in 354 appearances—a remarkable record for a defender.
Speaking earlier this month, Alexander-Arnold described the decision to leave as “the hardest of my life,” but said he felt ready for a “new challenge” to push himself both “personally and professionally.”
That challenge will come under the stewardship of Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso. The former midfield metronome, who played for both Liverpool and Madrid during his own decorated career, takes over from Carlo Ancelotti following a trophyless 2024–25 campaign.
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Alonso, 43, has already expressed admiration for Alexander-Arnold’s footballing intelligence and versatility—qualities that could see the Englishman used in multiple roles beyond his traditional right-back position. Known for his creativity, range of passing, and set-piece ability, Alexander-Arnold will now join fellow England star Jude Bellingham in a revamped Madrid squad aiming to reclaim domestic and European supremacy.
The signing of Alexander-Arnold signals a clear intent from Real Madrid to rebuild with both pedigree and promise. It also reunites two of England’s brightest talents at one of the world’s biggest clubs, sparking intrigue over how they might shape the next era of Madridismo.
For Liverpool, this marks the end of an era. While many fans hoped their academy product would see out his prime years at Anfield, the move reflects the changing dynamics of modern football. Still, Alexander-Arnold leaves with legendary status secured and the best wishes of the red half of Merseyside.
As Real Madrid prepare for their Club World Cup campaign, all eyes will be on Alexander-Arnold to see how quickly he adapts to Spanish football—and whether this move will elevate his career to even greater heights.
