Real Madrid is ready to offer Liverpool a modest fee to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold’s participation in this summer’s Club World Cup, as reported by various sources.
The lifelong Liverpool supporter announced the conclusion of his 20-year tenure with the club on Monday, in anticipation of his widely expected transfer to Real Madrid.
Liverpool’s official statement notably indicated that Alexander-Arnold would ‘leave Anfield once his contract expires on June 30, 2025,’ yet Real Madrid is advocating for an expedited departure.
The first edition of FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup is set to commence in mid-June.
Should Alexander-Arnold not be permitted to don the iconic white jersey until July 1, he would forfeit the opportunity to participate in all three of Madrid’s group-stage matches against Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal, Mexico’s Pachuca, and Austrian team RB Salzburg.
The Guardian has disclosed that Madrid has reached out to Liverpool to finalize Alexander-Arnold’s transfer by the end of May, following the conclusion of all Premier League fixtures.
The Times reports that discussions commenced on Monday, mere hours after Alexander-Arnold’s announcement.
AS indicates that Real Madrid is prepared to propose a ‘symbolic amount’ approximately valued at €900,000 (£760,000), in addition to covering the final month of his salary at Liverpool.
This total expenditure is estimated to be between €1.5-2m (£1.3-1.7m). Even if Alexander-Arnold’s arrival is delayed until July, he will not be acquired without cost.
Players whose contracts have expired typically receive signing bonuses, and Madrid is reportedly preparing a sum around €20m (£17m) for the incoming right-back.
For context, Kylian Mbappe is said to have received €150m (£127m) over the duration of his five-year contract after departing Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
Progressing through the Club World Cup is expected to yield substantial revenue that will surpass any additional funds expended on Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid is projected to earn $38.2m (£28.6m) simply for participating, with an additional $87.6m (£65.5m) available in prize money should they reach the final.