Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Real Madrid: Included in Club World Cup squad, signs six-year deal

Spanish giants Real Madrid have completed the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, the star right-back who rose through Liverpool’s academy. The transfer, officially confirmed by both clubs, brings an end to one of the most iconic player-club relationships in recent Premier League history.

Alexander-Arnold will become a Real Madrid player on 1 June 2025, following a mutual agreement between the two clubs. Although his contract was due to expire on 30 June, Madrid moved early to ensure his inclusion in the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on 14 June in the United States.

Early registration finalised for Club World Cup

In an official statement, Real Madrid announced:

"Trent Alexander-Arnold will be a Real Madrid player from 1 June 2025 to 30 June 2031. The player will represent our club in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in June."

Real Madrid’s front office had been preparing the move for several months. A verbal agreement was reached with Alexander-Arnold before the end of the 2024–25 season, but the club accelerated the process to guarantee his presence in the Club World Cup squad.

The expanded tournament, hosted by FIFA, will take place in the United States with teams from CONCACAF, AFC, and UEFA. Alexander-Arnold is expected to start in several matches and rotate with veteran full-back Dani Carvajal.

Transfer fee and Liverpool's confirmation

According to The Times, Liverpool will receive around £10 million (€13.5 million) for allowing the early transfer of the player. Although the defender’s deal was set to expire in late June, Madrid chose to finalise the deal ahead of the window to secure his eligibility for the tournament.

Liverpool FC confirmed the agreement with a heartfelt statement:

"An offer from Real Madrid for the transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold has been accepted. The transfer will be completed when the summer window opens."

The club also reflected on the defender’s legacy:

"Trent joined our academy at the age of six and made his professional debut in 2016. He went on to become a central figure during one of the most successful periods in our history."

Emotional farewell at Anfield

Over the course of his career at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold made 354 appearances and scored 23 goals. His trophy haul includes two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, one FA Cup, and two League Cups.

In his final match at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold was met with a prolonged standing ovation. Overwhelmed by emotion, he shed tears as fans bid farewell to one of their most beloved homegrown stars.

Social media was flooded with emotional tributes from Liverpool fans, many of whom remembered him as not only a brilliant footballer but also a leader who once wore the captain's armband.