Real Madrid have confirmed they have secured the early transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, allowing the England defender to join the Spanish club before his contract officially expires at the end of June.
The agreement, reportedly worth between £8 million and £10 million, enables Alexander-Arnold to move to Madrid on 1 June—four weeks ahead of schedule—and ensures he will be eligible to feature in the Club World Cup in the United States, which begins on 14 June.
FIFA has sanctioned a special transfer window from 1 to 10 June, permitting clubs to register new players in time for the global tournament. Real Madrid are expected to give Alexander-Arnold his debut against Saudi side Al-Hilal on 18 June in Miami.
In an official statement, Real Madrid revealed that the 26-year-old right-back has signed a long-term contract running until June 2031.
Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool having recently secured another Premier League title, adding to a decorated spell which includes a Champions League triumph in 2019 and a league title in 2020. A product of Liverpool’s youth system, he made 352 appearances for his boyhood club.
His move reunites him with another Liverpool alumnus, Xabi Alonso, who was recently announced as the new Real Madrid head coach following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure.
The transfer has stirred mixed emotions among Liverpool fans. While many were angered when Alexander-Arnold initially confirmed his intention to leave, prompting boos during the team’s penultimate match of the season, the mood shifted following endorsements from former manager Jürgen Klopp and star forward Mohamed Salah. The defender was ultimately cheered as he lifted the Premier League trophy in his final Anfield appearance.
Alexander-Arnold joins a Real Madrid side that ended the campaign without silverware. His attacking prowess and playmaking ability from right-back could be key for the Spanish giants, who faced defensive issues throughout the season. With Dani Carvajal battling a long-term knee injury and winger Lucas Vázquez struggling while deputising at right-back, the signing brings much-needed reinforcement.
In addition, Madrid have strengthened their defence further by acquiring Spanish centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, as they aim to rebuild a backline that suffered a number of injuries this season.