Real Madrid have formally opened negotiations with Liverpool regarding a potential transfer for Trent Alexander-Arnold, aiming to finalize the deal before the Club World Cup tournament.
The England international confirmed on Monday his departure from his lifelong club at the season`s conclusion. He is reportedly set to sign a five-year contract with the Spanish giants.
The Spanish club is eager for Alexander-Arnold (TAA) to participate in the upcoming Club World Cup. While they initially hoped for a deal around £1 million, securing his participation for the tournament might require them to pay a fee exceeding that amount, potentially an additional £500,000, as Liverpool are expected to take a firm stance in negotiations.
Liverpool will continue paying his substantial £180,000 weekly wage until his current contract expires on June 30.
Real`s initial match in the United States is scheduled for June 18 against Saudi team Al-Hilal.
Real has potential registration windows for their prospective signing between June 1-10 or alternatively between June 27 and July 3 for the tournament`s knockout phase.
The 26-year-old Alexander-Arnold has three remaining fixtures as a Liverpool player, including his final match at Anfield against Crystal Palace on the season`s closing day.
He might also feature in matches against Arsenal on Sunday and then away at Brighton.
However, his departure may not be met with universal warmth from Liverpool supporters during his final games, as many fans have expressed anger regarding the defender`s choice to depart the club.
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher believes the frustration felt by fans over Alexander-Arnold`s exit is “justified”. In a column, Carragher argued that Liverpool`s objective is to secure more Premier League and Champions League titles, and by leaving, Alexander-Arnold makes it tougher for his current club to achieve its 21st league title and seventh European Cup. He stated this naturally evokes strong feelings, as would be expected at other major clubs.
Among the negative reactions from fans, there were even reports of humorous (or perhaps not) instances like Alexander-Arnold being supposedly “banned” from local establishments such as Curry`s and Popworld.
Alexander-Arnold on His Departure
In comments shared with Liverpool`s internal media, Trent Alexander-Arnold explained his decision to leave Anfield.
He stated it was a difficult choice made after significant thought, having spent 20 years at the club, achieving his dreams and everything he ever wanted there. He feels he has reached a point where he needs a change, a new personal and professional challenge, and believes now is the right time.
He acknowledged the speculation around his decision and explained he felt the focus should remain on matches until the season end, despite knowing some might think he should have spoken sooner.
He expressed full confidence in the manager, staff, and the club`s future success, clarifying his departure isn`t due to doubts about their ability to compete for titles or trophies. His reason, he reiterated, purely boiled down to his personal need for change.
He understands the fans` disappointment, anger, and upset, relating it to his own feelings when beloved players left the club. While he regrets disappointing people, he emphasizes needing to make the decision that was right for him.
He spoke of falling in love with the club from a very young age, a feeling that has only grown. He acknowledged the immense opportunities given to him to achieve things beyond his wildest dreams and doesn`t take them for granted, stating he has given everything every single day for two decades, sacrificing everything.
Finally, he hoped that despite the negative reaction to his news, which he knows will take time to set in and cause disappointment, fans would continue supporting the team, staff, and everyone else, and feel the love and support they have shown all season.
He concluded by stating there`s no doubt he`ll be back one day, hoping to bring his future children to Anfield to show them where he played and what they achieved together. He offered a huge thank you for everything the club and fans have done for him, for the support and love he has felt, and for always having his back. Even though he`s leaving as a player, he affirmed he will always love the club, its people, fans, and supporters, and will always remain a Liverpool fan.
