It’s not just transfer talk anymore — it’s transfer tug-of-war. Liverpool have set a clear price tag for releasing Trent Alexander-Arnold before his contract officially ends on June 30.
And surprise, surprise — Real Madrid are knocking early.
The Spanish giants want the right-back in time for their FIFA Club World Cup campaign, which kicks off on June 18 against Al-Hilal. But the Reds aren’t giving away their homegrown star for free. Far from it.
According to reports (via AS), Real Madrid have offered €600,000 to speed up the deal. But Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes isn’t biting — he wants €1 million ($1.1 million).
The Anfield outfit is also asking Trent to waive his final month’s salary — worth around €200,000 — if he wants to walk out the door early.
This means one thing: either Real pay more, or Trent sacrifices a paycheck. If neither budges, Madrid will just have to wait until July 1 to roll out the red carpet.
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Why Real Madrid wants Trent Alexander-Arnold for Club World Cup?
Madrid’s desire to sign Alexander-Arnold ahead of schedule comes as they prepare for a busy summer, and even busier defense. With Dani Carvajal still recovering, Real need reinforcements. Enter Trent — a player who has already won it all and could offer immediate impact.
The Englishman, who has made over 350 appearances for Liverpool and owns the record for most Premier League assists by a defender (58), has already reportedly agreed to join Madrid on a six-year deal.
He’s ready. Real are ready. But Liverpool, unsurprisingly, want the last word — and a tidy fee to go with it.
The Reds will wrap up their season against Arsenal, Brighton, and Palace in May. That gives Madrid a tiny window to negotiate and slot Trent into their summer plans early.
And thanks to FIFA’s early June transfer window for Club World Cup clubs, there’s room to make it happen — if the math (and the money) works.
For now, the ball’s in Madrid’s court. Or rather, at Liverpool’s feet — and they’re not just passing it without a solid return.
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