Real Madrid are wasting no time this summer. The Spanish giants are working fast to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Santiago Bernabeu — before his Liverpool contract even ends.
The 26-year-old right back is set to leave Liverpool as a free agent on June 30. But Madrid want him in earlier.
Why the rush? They want him to play in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in the U.S. on June 15. With their first match just days later, Real hope to have Alexander-Arnold signed and ready by then.
It’s not just about timing. It’s also about adjusting quickly to life under new boss Xabi Alonso, who officially takes over on June 1. The former Liverpool and Madrid midfielder wants his new defender in camp as soon as possible.
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Special transfer window could see Trent Alexander-Arnold leave very soon
Talks between Real Madrid and Liverpool have moved quickly in recent days. According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, a deal could even be done within 24 hours.
There’s a special transfer window from June 1 to June 10 just for the Club World Cup — and Madrid want to use it.
While Alexander-Arnold’s contract runs out at the end of June, Liverpool are not letting him go early for free.
Reports (via Andy Hunter), suggest the Reds want around £10 million to release him before that date. Madrid, it seems, are now ready to pay up after failing to land him in January when they reportedly offered £20 million.
As for Liverpool, they’re already moving on. Jeremie Frimpong is expected to be Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, with deals for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez also in the works. Talk about flipping the switch from defense to offense.
Alexander-Arnold could become the second big-name signing of Alonso’s reign, after Real triggered Dean Huijsen’s release clause earlier this month.
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