Liverpool have finalised an agreement to release Trent Alexander-Arnold early, enabling the 26-year-old defender to complete a move to Real Madrid ahead of schedule in a deal valued at £10 million.
The England international will officially join the Spanish giants when the mini transfer window opens on Sunday and will sign a six-year contract with the LaLiga side. 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.
Liverpool, who recently clinched the Premier League title, have 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 were eager to secure his registration in time for the international tournament and have agreed to pay what amounts to over £300,000 per day for early access.
Newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso is believed to be keen on integrating Alexander-Arnold into his plans without delay. The player is set to link up with the England squad on Saturday for their training camp in Spain and is expected to be unveiled to the Real Madrid crowd in a high-profile ceremony shortly after England’s final pre-Euro fixture against Senegal in Nottingham on 10 June.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
