Alexander-Arnold Joins Real Madrid

Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of England international Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a six-year contract in a deal valued at £10 million.

The agreement, reached between both clubs, will see the 26-year-old defender remain with the Spanish side from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2031.

The move comes despite Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract expiring at the end of June, which would have allowed Madrid to acquire him on a free transfer.

Instead, Real Madrid opted to fast-track the deal by paying a single €10 million (£8.4 million) fee to Liverpool and covering his June wages, bringing the total package to £10 million.

The Spanish club initially tabled a €1 million offer, which was swiftly rejected.

Recall that Liverpool, which recently clinched the Premier League title, has managed to secure a significant fee for a player just weeks away from becoming a free agent.

The decision benefits the club financially and allows Alexander-Arnold to feature for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, starting on 15 June.

Real Madrid have also inserted a €250 million (£210 million) release clause into Alexander-Arnold’s new contract, reflecting the high regard in which they hold the player.

The six-year deal means he could potentially see out the remainder of his career at the Bernabéu, as it runs until nearly his 33rd birthday.

Although Madrid could have waited until 30 June to sign the England international without a transfer fee, the club was eager to secure his registration in time for the international tournament and agreed to pay what amounts to over £300,000 per day for early access.

Alexander-Arnold arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu after a highly successful spell with Liverpool, where he won nine major trophies.

His honours with the Reds include one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two EFL Cups, and one FA Community Shield.

A product of Liverpool’s academy, Alexander-Arnold has spent his entire professional career at Anfield.

He made his senior debut for the England national team in 2018 and has represented the Three Lions at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, as well as the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.

On the individual front, he has been recognised globally for his performances. He was named in the FIFA FIFPro World 11 in 2020, included twice in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (2018/19 and 2021/22), and selected three times in the Premier League Team of the Season (2018/19, 2019/20, and 2021/22).

In addition, he was voted the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season for 2019/20.

Alexander-Arnold is expected to feature for Real Madrid in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States beginning June 14.