The 2024/25 season has been a tough one for Real Madrid with major changes anticipated ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Los Blancos have struggled with injuries throughout 2025, which has heavily impacted their failure to retain the La Liga title. They were also eliminated from the Champions League alongside losing the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana finals to arch rivals Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti has since confirmed he will leave the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu later this month as Xabi Alonso takes over. Now, with no remaining hopes of silverware for the season, Real Madrid are putting their focus into this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
The expanded tournament kicks on June 14 in the USA and Real Madrid are confident of confirming the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool ahead of the competition.
Real Madrid’s injury woes this season have mostly hit their backline, with right-back Daniel Carvajal and center-back Éder Militao sidelined for the entire campaign due to ACL tears.
Los Blancos’ vision is to have Alexander-Arnold in the squad ahead of the trip to the United States, however, the England international remains under contract at Liverpool until June 30.
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While an official announcement or agreement has not been made between the clubs or the player as yet, Real Madrid are reported to have a workaround to include Alexander-Arnold in their squad.
Can Trent play for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup?
Even though Alexander-Arnold will be joining Real Madrid as a free agent, the Spanish giants will have to pay a compensation fee for the 26-year-old, if they want him to play in the Club World Cup.
Liverpool have asked for a fee estimated to be around €1m [$1.1m] from Real Madrid for their academy graduate’s early release, according to ESPN.
Along with the fee, Alexander-Arnold will also not receive his salary at Liverpool for the month of June, as per Diario AS (via Madrid Xtra).
Real Madrid’s first game in the FIFA Club World Cup is against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal and is slated for June 18, at the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida.
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