With the Club World Cup just around the corner and a new era kicking off under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid are wasting no time trying to bolster their squad—and Trent Alexander-Arnold is top of their wish list.
The Spanish club is reportedly pushing to bring the Liverpool star to Madrid before his contract officially expires at the end of June.
Their urgency? They want him suited up and ready for the Club World Cup in Miami, which kicks off on June 18.
Madrid Hope to Get Trent in Time for Club World Cup Debut
Real Madrid are said to be “accelerating talks” with Liverpool, hoping to wrap up a deal that allows Alexander-Arnold to make his debut for Los Blancos in their opening match against Al-Hilal.
While the England international is technically a free agent come June 30, Madrid want to seal his signing before then, making use of FIFA’s special transfer window—open from June 1 to June 10—specifically for Club World Cup squad registrations.
Liverpool Want Compensation for Early Departure
Liverpool aren’t exactly rushing to let their boyhood star go.
Even though he’ll walk away for free at the end of the month, the club wants a fee if he’s going to leave before then.
According to The Times, this negotiation could wrap up within the next 24 hours if the two sides can agree on compensation.
Real Madrid had already made a move for Alexander-Arnold back in January, reportedly offering £20 million.
But Liverpool declined back then, laser-focused on their Premier League campaign—which, in the end, they won comfortably.
Xabi Alonso Starts Strong in His First Big Managerial Job
This potential transfer is just one part of a busy start to life in Madrid for new manager Xabi Alonso, who takes over after Carlo Ancelotti left to coach Brazil’s national team.
Alonso, already praised as one of football’s most promising young managers, has made a solid first impression by signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for £50 million.
That deal came after Real triggered the defender’s release clause.
Alonso officially starts on June 1 and has inked a contract running through to 2028.
That gives him time to shape a squad—and adding Alexander-Arnold would certainly be a statement.
Alonso’s Rise and the Ripple Effect on the Coaching World
Xabi Alonso arrives in Madrid off the back of a stunning season with Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga title.
Not a single loss all season—a feat that immediately turned heads across Europe.
His move to Spain has also created a domino effect.
Bayer Leverkusen are now reportedly looking to hire Erik ten Hag, the former Manchester United boss who was dismissed earlier this season after United’s dismal start left them 14th in the league.
What Happens Next?
If Real Madrid and Liverpool can strike a deal soon, Alexander-Arnold will fly to Madrid before joining up with England’s national team.
The Three Lions have a World Cup qualifier against Andorra coming up, followed by a friendly against Senegal.
Whether or not he makes it to Miami as a Real Madrid player for the Club World Cup opener depends on just how quickly this deal comes together in the next few days.