Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of this contract. It’s expected he’ll leave on a free to Real Madrid. However, Liverpool could still receive a fee for the defender.
The 26-year-old has been with the club he supports all his career, but after months of rumours, he confirmed he will be leaving the club this summer.
TAA’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and it’s widely expected he will join La Liga giants, Real Madrid. Because of his contract status, Trent will be joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, but a recent update suggests they could receive a fee for him.
Alexander-Arnold could join before the Club World Cup
Real Madrid will be one of several teams competing in the Club World Cup this summer in America. The issue for the Spanish side is the tournament will start 16 days earlier than when Trent’s contract expires (30th June).
BBC Sport have reported that Madrid will look to bring TAA to the club before the start of the competition. To do so, they are willing to part with around €1 million (£850,000) to help release Trent from his contract early.
FIFA announced a short initial transfer window between 1st and 10th June for clubs competing in the Club World Cup. Real will be able to take advantage of this to bring Alexander-Arnold to the club in time to play this summer.
Although it’s not the amount money the club would have likely wanted to recoup for one of their star assets, it could soften the blow of losing him on a free transfer.
Trent’s legacy at Liverpool
It seemed clear in recent months that Trent would be departing Liverpool this summer. While Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk signed new deals, TAA kept quiet about his future.
When he scored against Leicester City and put his shirt on the corner flag, it gave some Liverpool fans cause for optimism. However, they’ve now got to prepare for life without one of their own.
Although his legacy at the club might be tainted amongst some fans, Trent has been a crucial part in Liverpool’s return to the top of the English and European game.
Since making his debut in the EFL Cup back in the 2016/17 season, Trent’s played 352 games, scoring 23 goals and picking up 92 assists. He’s won several trophies with the club, winning the Premier League twice, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, EFL Cup twice, FA Cup, and the Club World Cup.
Although, some fans might argue he’s leaving at the start of another great era for the club under Arne Slot. A move to Real Madrid doesn’t come around often for everyone in football, so it’s easy to see why he’s been tempted to leave.