Real Madrid officially announced the signing of English full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, with a six-year contract running until June 30, 2031. Although his contract with the Whites officially starts on June 1, 2025, the club reached an agreement with Liverpool to bring him in early so he can make his debut at the Club World Cup under coach Xabi Alonso.

Financial deal and early arrival

“Real Madrid C.F. and Liverpool FC have agreed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be with our club for the next six seasons, from June 1, 2025, until June 30, 2031,” the Madrid club said in a statement. Meanwhile, Liverpool confirmed that “Real Madrid paid a sum of money... to have Trent Alexander-Arnold available for the Club World Cup.”

According to sources close to the club, the deal with Liverpool is estimated to be between 5.4 and 10.8 million dollars, which allowed the full-back to join a month earlier than planned. This move responds to defensive injuries and Xabi Alonso’s wish to have the player for the international tournament.

Expected debut and a new chapter

Alexander-Arnold’s official debut for Real Madrid is expected on June 18, 2025, at the Club World Cup against Al Hilal, one of the Asian representatives in the competition. While the tournament starts on June 14, that date would mark Real Madrid’s first match in the event.

At 26 years old, Alexander-Arnold arrives at Real Madrid with an impressive trophy haul and the intention to start a fresh chapter in his career. “After twenty years at the club, it’s time to confirm I’ll leave at the end of this season. It’s the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” said the Englishman, who will reunite in Madrid with his good friend Jude Bellingham.