By Alex Fredrick
Real Madrid have approached Liverpool about the early signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, hoping to secure the England international in time for the Club World Cup this June.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, recently announced that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after his contract expires on June 30. Madrid are eager to finalize the deal before then, with their first Club World Cup match scheduled for June 18 against Al Hilal in Miami.
Madrid’s early move underlines their determination to have the right-back available for the prestigious tournament. Should Liverpool refuse to release Alexander-Arnold ahead of his contract’s expiry, Madrid would still be able to register him during the tournament’s special window from June 27 to July 3. However, he would miss the Spanish champions’ group-stage matches against Al Hilal, Pachuca (June 22), and Salzburg (June 27).
Alexander-Arnold, a product of Liverpool’s academy, has made 352 appearances for the first team, winning two Premier League titles, including this season’s. His glittering trophy cabinet also includes the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, two Carabao Cups, an FA Cup, and a Community Shield.
Speaking on social media, Alexander-Arnold described his decision to leave as the hardest of his life.
“This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life,” he shared.
In an interview with LFC TV, Alexander-Arnold explained that while staying at Liverpool was a “massive possibility,” he felt the need for a new challenge.
“I’ve got full confidence in the manager, the staff, and the club moving forward,” he said. “It’s not about thinking we wouldn’t fight for titles. I just felt I needed a change for my personal journey as a player and as a person, to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Liverpool extended the contracts of fellow stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk this season, but Alexander-Arnold will leave on a free transfer.
As Madrid prepare their next move, the football world watches closely to see whether one of England’s finest will make his Real debut on the Club World Cup stage.
