Footballwonk

Real Madrid seek early deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of Club World Cup

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid on 1 July, but the Spanish club are making an early push to sign the Liverpool right-back before the Club World Cup kicks off in June.

The unclaimed jersey and tactical glow frame Trent as a piece not yet moved — a silent symbol of Madrid’s future.

Real Madrid are attempting to secure the early arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, despite the player’s contract with Liverpool officially running until 30 June. According to AS, Madrid have expressed their interest in registering the England international in time for the tournament, which begins on 13 June.

FIFA regulations allow for a short transfer window to facilitate squad finalisation ahead of the tournament. While Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Madrid as a free agent on 1 July, Liverpool are open to releasing him earlier — under specific financial conditions.

AS reports that Liverpool have requested a symbolic transfer fee of £850,000, and that Alexander-Arnold would forgo his salary for the month of June. Should those terms be accepted, Liverpool could receive a modest compensation for a player who would otherwise depart for free just two weeks later.

The unclaimed jersey and tactical glow frame Trent as a piece not yet moved — a silent symbol of Madrid’s future.

Madrid’s motivation stems from squad registration deadlines for the Club World Cup. The provisional window opens on 1 June and runs for 10 days, with a second, longer window to follow on 16 June. By completing the deal early, Madrid aim to have Alexander-Arnold available for tactical drills and Club World Cup preparation sessions without delay.

Strategic fit in Madrid’s evolving defence

Alexander-Arnold, 25, has been one of the Premier League’s most influential right-backs over the past seven seasons. His arrival is viewed as a cornerstone in Madrid’s long-term plan to rejuvenate their full-back line. Dani Carvajal, after a major injury, is no longer expected to return to his former level — and even if he had remained fully fit, Madrid were already looking to invest in a younger, proven right-back due to his advancing age.

The £850,000 folder becomes a metaphor for closure — a small number carrying the full weight of a departure.

For Liverpool, the early release offers a dual benefit — the chance to receive a symbolic financial return, and an opportunity to bring closure to a long-anticipated departure that might otherwise linger over their summer rebuild. It would also represent the formal end of Alexander-Arnold’s 13-year journey with the club he joined as a child.