Trent Alexander-Arnold may have chosen not to extend his stay at boyhood club Liverpool, and he may be set to join Real Madrid on a lucrative free transfer, but that can’t happen until the 26-year-old right back’s current deal officially expires.
That happens on June 30th, which most years wouldn’t be an issue. This season, though, FIFA are launching an expanded of a Club World Cup, with the big money grab set to take place in the United States from June 15th through July 13th.
Real Madrid are involved and want Alexander-Arnold to play—and to begin his adjustment to life at Los Blancos under new manager Xabi Alonso. Liverpool previously signalled they wanted to be paid for that. Madrid wanted him for free.
It appears likely Liverpool, in no mood to do a favour for Madrid, will get their way and the Spanish giants will pay up in order to get Alexander-Arnold in a little early, with a smattering of Spanish reports today followed up by English confirmation.
According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, a deal is expected to be completed rapidly at this stage, possibly within the next 24 hours. The summer transfer window is set to temporarily open June 1st before closing again for the Club World Cup.
There is no suggestion yet as to the fee Madrid will pay, though previous reports had the Reds asking for around a million Pounds in order to release the player from his contract a month before it officially expires and he becomes a free agent.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continue to press ahead with the signing of Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, with the signing of Leverkusen right back Jeremie Frimpong all but officially confirmed and Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez likely to follow.