Real Madrid are eager to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold as soon as the season ends, with the aim of having the Liverpool defender available for this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold confirmed on Monday that he will depart his boyhood club when his contract expires at the end of next month.
“I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it,” he said.
“I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here.
“Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person.
“And I think now is the right time for me to do that.”
The 26-year-old is widely expected to join Real Madrid, despite the European Super League advocates failing to secure a deal for the player during the January transfer window.
While Real Madrid could sign Alexander-Arnold as a free agent starting in July, the Spanish giants are keen to bring the right-back into their squad ahead of the revamped Club World Cup next month.
For that to happen, Liverpool would need to grant an early release from the England international’s contract, likely in exchange for a modest fee.
A short transfer window will open between June 1 and June 10, specifically to accommodate players participating in the Club World Cup.
This period is an exceptional registration window, and it will re-open on June 16, two days after the tournament kicks off.
Should Real Madrid fail to reach an agreement with Liverpool for an early release, Alexander-Arnold would miss the competition in the United States and would have to wait until July to finalise his free transfer to the Bernabéu.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Alexander-Arnold remains available for selection for Liverpool during the final three Premier League matches of the season.
He will also take part in the victory parade around the city on May 26 to celebrate Liverpool’s 20th championship title.
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