The Liverpool full-back is expected to join Los Blancos on a free transfer, with only final negotiations standing in the way of a June arrival
Real Madrid are on the verge of securing the signature of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. Only minor details are left to finalise before the England international becomes their latest marquee acquisition, according to Diario AS.
While no official agreement has been signed yet, sources close to the deal describe the transfer as “practically closed”. The 26-year-old has so far refused multiple renewal offers from Liverpool, and with his contract set to expire on June 30, the Reds are increasingly resigned to losing him for free.
Madrid are hoping to accelerate the deal and complete Alexander-Arnold’s registration in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States in mid June.
Under new FIFA regulations, participating clubs can register players during a special transfer window before the competition, which could allow Alexander-Arnold to feature in Madrid’s opening match against Al Hilal on 18 June.
It is understood that the club and player still maintain a good relationship, but since Alexander-Arnold is leaving without a transfer fee, they will demand that he should forfeit his salary for the month of June, according to Diario AS. The money is said to be just under £1 million and would allow Liverpool to earn at least a small figure in return for one of their most influential academy products.
The other option is for Real Madrid to pay this amount to Liverpool on behalf of Alexander-Arnold. Should the final stages of negotiation go smoothly, the England international could be registered in time to make his Madrid debut at the Club World Cup.
