Trent Alexander-Arnold is poised to depart from Liverpool upon the expiration of his contract this summer.
The 26-year-old is expected to sign a six-year deal with Real Madrid. Currently, he is scheduled to leave on July 1; however, Real Madrid intends to engage in negotiations with Liverpool in an effort to secure his transfer prior to the Club World Cup.
This development would necessitate compensation to facilitate his early release from his contract by one month.
Alexander-Arnold has been with Liverpool since the age of six and has played a pivotal role in helping Arne Slot’s team achieve their 20th top-flight title this season, in addition to winning the Champions League in 2019.
Alexander-Arnold has gone public with his decision to leave Anfield, saying:
“After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.
This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.
I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.
“This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years.
From the academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.
“But I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.
I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.
I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all. My love for this club will never die.
“Alexander-Arnold has been eligible to speak to clubs since January.
Real Madrid also made an approach to Liverpool ahead of the winter market in December and were told in no uncertain terms that a mid-season move was not possible.