Real Madrid have completed the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, securing the England international on a contract that runs until 2031, the Spanish club announced on Friday.
The 26-year-old right-back was entering the final months of his contract at Anfield, but Real Madrid opted to pay a transfer fee to bring him in early, allowing him to feature in next month’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold departs his boyhood club having recently helped Liverpool win the 2023/24 Premier League title. A product of the club’s academy, he made 352 appearances and played a central role in Liverpool’s most successful era in recent memory, winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.
He now joins a Real Madrid side managed by former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who was recently appointed head coach following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure.
Despite his long-standing connection to Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave sparked backlash from some sections of the fanbase. He was booed during the penultimate match of the season after confirming his exit. However, support from key figures like Jürgen Klopp and Mohamed Salah helped shift the mood. When he lifted the Premier League trophy at Anfield last Sunday, the defender was met with a standing ovation.
Real Madrid are hoping Alexander-Arnold will strengthen a defense that struggled with injuries throughout the season and failed to win any major silverware. His arrival addresses a problematic right-back position, with Dani Carvajal sidelined for much of the campaign due to a knee injury and Lucas Vázquez struggling out of position.
Though occasionally questioned for lapses in defensive concentration, Alexander-Arnold is widely praised for his exceptional passing range, vision, and attacking prowess from the flank—qualities Madrid are keen to exploit.
He is expected to make his debut on June 18, when Real Madrid face Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in their opening Club World Cup fixture in Miami.
The club have also strengthened their back line with the signing of Spanish centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, as they look to rebuild a defense that was hit hard by injuries this past season.
