Real Madrid have agreed a deal with Liverpool to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of schedule, allowing the right-back to feature in the 2025 Club World Cup.
Madrid will pay €10 million to sign the 26-year-old a month early, despite having already secured him on a free transfer from July 1.
The move ensures Alexander-Arnold will be available for Madrid’s group-stage games in the United States, beginning with a clash against Al-Hilal on June 18.
He will also be eligible to face Pachuca four days later and Red Bull Salzburg on June 26.
Madrid acted quickly after FIFA introduced a special June registration window, allowing clubs to sign players before the tournament officially begins.
The six-year deal, which runs until 2031, was confirmed by both clubs, although the announcement was delayed following an incident in Liverpool that left dozens injured during title celebrations.
By completing the transfer now, Liverpool will avoid paying the remainder of Alexander-Arnold’s wages and bonuses for the month of June.
Madrid’s willingness to pay the premium reflects their urgent need at right-back, with Dani Carvajal battling injury and Lucas Vazquez expected to depart this summer.
The Spanish giants had explored signing Alexander-Arnold in January, but Liverpool rejected the approach, as the player remained focused on their Premier League title bid.
Madrid used Valverde as an emergency full-back, including in a Champions League fixture against Red Bull Salzburg when both Carvajal and Vazquez were unavailable.
The early acquisition of Alexander-Arnold not only strengthens Madrid’s short-term plans but also provides incoming manager Xabi Alonso with a key player ahead of pre-season.
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The England international had announced in May that he would leave Anfield once his contract expired, a decision that initially provoked a mixed reaction from fans.
He ends a 20-year association with Liverpool, having joined the academy at age six and made 354 senior appearances, contributing 23 goals and 92 assists.
His trophy haul includes two Premier League titles, the Champions League, a FIFA Club World Cup and domestic cup honours.