Alexander-Arnold set to play at FIFA Club World Cup after Real Madrid agree deal
The FIFA Club World Cup will add another superstar line-up this summer after Real Madrid agreed a deal with Liverpool for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The full-back announced he was leaving Liverpool at the end of his current contract earlier this month, ending his 22-year association with the club and signing off a two-time Premier League winner following the Reds' title triumph.
He had been widely expected to sign for Real Madrid as a free agent, when his deal expired at the end of June, but Liverpool have now confirmed that the Spanish giants will pay a small fee to recruit the player before the end of his contract and so he can play in the Club World Cup next month.
The England star will move when FIFA's additional transfer window opens on Sunday and sign a six-year deal with Madrid, with the club making a single payment of £8.4m and paying his June wages, adding up to £10m. However, Madrid were originally offering just £840k to try and secure the deal. Confirming the move, the newly crowned Premier League champions released a statement that said, "The full-back is now set to join the La Liga club ahead of the expiry of his Reds contract this summer.
"Liverpool will receive a fee for his services, with the deal to be concluded once the window opens on June 1.
"Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes."
Club World Cup
Club World Cup
Alexander-Arnold's decision initially caused unrest among Liverpool fans, who gave the player a hostile reception in his first game following the announcement. However, after a backlash, the 26-year-old was allowed to enjoy his farewell during the club's title celebrations last weekend.
The FIFA Club World Cup begins in two weeks and Madrid will play Al Hilal in Miami, Florida on June 18, Pachuca in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 22, and Salzburg in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 26 as part of Group H in the USA.
Alexander-Arnold won't be the only new face among Real's party going to the States, with new boss - and former Liverpool midfielder- Xabi Alonso set to begin his tenure at the tournament following Carlo Ancelotti's departure.