Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed his June departure from Liverpool but his expected move to Real Madrid remains unconfirmed.
The England international revealed his Anfield exit via an official club video at the start of May as he prepares to walk away from his boyhood club after two decades with the Reds.
Alexander-Arnold remains on course for a ‘new challenge’ in Madrid in the coming weeks but the situation is unresolved ahead of Los Blancos’ flight to the USA for the FIFA Club World Cup.
On the back of failing to win a trophy during the domestic season, Real Madrid have parted ways with veteran boss Carlo Ancelotti, with former player – and ex-Liverpool star – Xabi Alonso immediately installed as his replacement.
Finalising a deal for Liverpool’s No.66 is a priority for Alonso, but as it stands, the 26-year-old is formally under contract at Anfield until June 30.
Both clubs remain in talks over a deal to allow the England international to join Real Madrid in time for the USA trip, but that will involve a settlement fee,
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When will Trent Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid?
This question has two potential answers which both focus on how eager Real Madrid are to get the deal done quickly.
The Club World Cup kicks off on June 14 with Real Madrid’s first game against Al Hilal on June 18.
Due to the reshaping of the competition to a summer event, FIFA will open the international transfer window from from June 1-10, to allow teams to sign new players and register current stars if their contracts run out in June.
The final deadline for players to be registered for the tournament is June 10 and that is Real Madrid’s current working target with Liverpool’s right-back also due to join up for England duty on May 2.
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How much will Real Madrid pay for Trent?
According to previous reports via Diario AS, Real Madrid offered £600,000 [£808,000] to speed up the deal. But Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes wants £1m [$1.2m].
Liverpool could also request Trent to waive his final month’s salary – worth around £700,000 [£945,000] – if he wants to leave early.
However, with Liverpool still holding the upper hand in the negotiations, they could now demand a transfer fee and the above wages not to be paid.
Reports from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito claim Liverpool will utilise the incoming mini-transfer window to secure a fee – which they are still eligible for until the end of June – which could total around £4m [$5.5m].
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