Fans are convinced they've spotted hidden message as Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms Real Madrid squad number

Fans have been reacting on social media after seeing the apparent shirt number Trent Alexander-Arnold will wear for Real Madrid.

After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed last month that Madrid had struck a deal with Liverpool to bring Alexander-Arnold to the club ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

A statement from the Reds said: "Liverpool FC can confirm an offer has been accepted for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid for his transfer upon the opening of the June transfer window."

On Thursday, Alexander-Arnold will be officially unveiled as a Madrid player, and his squad number has reportedly been decided ahead of the presentation.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the full-back will wear the number 12 shirt for Los Blancos.

He wrote on X: "Trent Alexander-Arnold will wear number 12 at Real Madrid."

Reacting on social media, fans are convinced that there is a secret message behind the decision to wear the number 12.

When he was at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold wore the number 66 shirt, but due to La Liga rules, he is not allowed to wear that number for his new club.

As a result, fans speculated that he chose the number 12 because 6+6 = 12.

One fan said: "6+6=12 .. I am a scholar."

Another tweeted: "6+6 = 12......I see it..."

A third fan added: "Ahh, 6+6 = 12, now I got whyy 12!!!"

Previously, the number 12 shirt was worn by the likes of Marcelo and Eduardo Camavinga.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to be unveiled by Real Madrid. Image: Getty

After Alexander-Arnold's presentation, the Madrid squad will be flying to the United States for the Club World Cup, where they will take on RB Salzburg, Pachuca and Al Hilal.

The Club World Cup will be the first chance for new boss Xabi Alonso to impress after he was chosen as Carlo Ancelotti's successor.

On Wednesday, Madrid unveiled Dean Huijsen as their new player after signing him from Premier League side Bournemouth.

Upon signing for Madrid, the young Spaniard said: "It's the best day of my life. For me, it's a dream to be here, and I'm going to give everything for the team.

"With regard to offers from other teams, for me, Real Madrid is the best club in the world, and there is no other team like it."