Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially teamed up with his good mate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. It feels like a lifetime ago, but there was once a possibility that the pair could have been playing their football for Liverpool.
Casting our minds back to the 2022/2023 season, Liverpool's midfield was running on fumes and Bellingham, then the rising star of both Borussia Dortmund and the England team, was strongly linked with a sensational move as his friendship with a certain full-back flourished during the last FIFA World Cup.
Ultimately, the Reds changed course due to the magnitude of the overhaul they needed and the hefty price tag it would take to secure the Englishman.
Now, the final twist in those three year old speculations has come to pass, with Alexander-Arnold transferring to Real Madrid for $13.5 million (£10m), just a month before his contract was set to expire.
Real is clearly chuffed with their acquisition, and the prospect of their Three Lions duo joining forces. They posted an Instagram photo featuring an old handshake celebration between the two players.
Alexander-Arnold wasted no time engaging with his new club, responding with a hand shake emoji. Bellingham, who has been a Madrid player for the past two years, also liked the pos.
Bidding farewell to the club that raised him and embracing the allure of Madrid, Alexander-Arnold shared in his parting words: "To get the reception I got means more than anything to me. I've played hundreds of games for the club, but I've never felt so loved and cared for than today.
Trent Alexander-Arnold replies to Real Madrid's post about Jude Bellingham and himself
Trent Alexander-Arnold replies to Real Madrid's post about Jude Bellingham and himself (Image: Instagram: @realmadrid)
"From the bottom of my heart, I hope that the fans and supporters of this club will be able to recognise the hard work and everything I did for the team.
"There wasn't a day, minute or second I didn't think about the team. From six years old, to now... 20 years is a very long time but I've loved every minute - the ups and the downs.
"Coming through the academy, making it into the first team, being part of that properly, it has been a real honour and a privilege."
Overcome with emotion on the Anfield turf, the 26 year old confessed: "It's not sunk in [I'm leaving], it's all I've ever known. At times you catch yourself thinking you'll be back next season, but then you remember it's not the case, because things are changing.
"I'll cherish these moments for the rest of my life, especially today. It's been the best day of my life, a very, very special day and a very special achievement for the team and the club."