By Ayomide Otitoju
Real Madrid have officially confirmed the signing of England international Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a contract that runs until 2031, the Spanish club announced on Friday.
The 26-year-old right-back joins the reigning La Liga champions ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, with Real Madrid paying a transfer fee to secure his early release from Liverpool, where his contract was set to expire.
Alexander-Arnold, a product of Liverpool’s academy and a lifelong supporter of the club, leaves Anfield after a decorated spell that included winning the Premier League title this season and the UEFA Champions League in 2019. Despite his accomplishments, his decision to depart before the end of his contract drew a mixed reaction from fans, with some expressing anger and jeering him during the penultimate game of the season.
However, the mood shifted during Liverpool’s final match at Anfield, where club icons including Mohamed Salah and former manager Jürgen Klopp called for unity and appreciation of Alexander-Arnold’s contributions. The defender was met with applause as he lifted the Premier League trophy in front of home supporters.
Alexander-Arnold will reunite in Madrid with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has been named head coach following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.
Known for his exceptional passing range and attacking threat from the right flank, Alexander-Arnold has occasionally faced criticism over lapses in defensive concentration. Nonetheless, he is expected to strengthen a Real Madrid defence that has struggled at right-back this season due to Dani Carvajal’s injury woes and winger Lucas Vázquez’s difficulties filling the role.
The England defender is likely to make his debut for Real Madrid on June 18, when the Spanish giants face Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in their opening Club World Cup fixture in Miami.
In a further defensive boost, Madrid have also secured the signing of Spanish centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth as the club seeks to reinforce a back line that has been severely affected by injuries throughout the season.
