Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of English full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, with the player agreeing to a six-year deal that runs until June 30, 2031. He will immediately join up with Xabi Alonso's squad ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup.

End of an era at Liverpool

On May 5, Alexander-Arnold informed Liverpool—his boyhood club—that he would not be renewing his contract, which was set to run until mid-2025. Despite receiving multiple renewal offers from the reigning Premier League champions, the right-back decided it was time for "a new challenge" in his career. “After twenty years at the club, this is the toughest decision I've ever made,” said the defender, who will now reunite in Madrid with his close friend Jude Bellingham.

Real Madrid highlighted the impressive résumé of the 26-year-old England international, who won nine trophies with Liverpool: 1 Champions League, 1 Club World Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 2 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cups, and 1 Community Shield. He’s also been a regular for England since 2018, having played at two World Cups (2018 and 2022) and at Euro 2024.

On an individual level, Alexander-Arnold has made the FIFA FIFPro World 11 once (in 2020), been selected twice in the Champions League Team of the Season (2018–19 and 2021–22), and three times in the Premier League Team of the Season. He was also named Young Player of the Year in 2019.

Boosting Madrid’s Club World Cup squad

Thanks to a deal between Real Madrid and Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold's move was brought forward by a month so he could bolster the squad for the Club World Cup, with the team currently missing several key defenders. According to club sources, the early transfer cost Madrid around five million euros. He could make his debut on June 18 against Al Hilal.

Alexander-Arnold becomes Real Madrid’s second confirmed signing for the upcoming season, following the arrival of Spanish centre-back Dean Huijsen, who cost the club €58 million. The club is also working on bringing in a new left-back, aiming to give Xabi Alonso a well-rounded squad as he begins his tenure as manager.