Forgotten Real Madrid player is about to leave the club without ever meeting Trent Alexander-Arnold

A Real Madrid player who faded into the shadows is finally leaving the club without meeting new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Real moved to bring in both Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen as their first two signings of the summer, with the pair joining in time for the Club World Cup tournament where Los Blancos have qualified for the knockout stages and face Juventus in the round of 16.

Two players who are soon to depart Real have been included in the squad for the tournament, with long-time servants Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez featuring before they move on to pastures new.

However, the same opportunity was not given to a player who was with the 15-time European champions for a decade.

Real Madrid player leaves after a decade with club

Jesus Vallejo signed from Real Zaragoza in 2015 and was immediately loaned back to his former club.

The centre-back made just 35 appearances for Real, instead spending the bulk of his time on loan at the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolves and Granada, where he played a total of 54 times across three seasons.

Jesus Vallejo played just four times in his final season with Real. Image: Getty

He was with Real last season under Carlo Ancelotti but only made four appearances and found himself at the very bottom of the pecking order, particularly with the emergence of Raul Asencio.

Even with Xabi Alonso taking the reins, Vallejo found himself surplus to requirements and unsurprisingly, his exit was announced by the club.

In a statement on the club's official website, Real hailed Vallejo for his contributions and listed his trophy triumphs.

The statement ended: "Real Madrid would like to thank Jesús Vallejo for his professionalism, commitment, and hard work, and wishes him and his family all the best in this new stage of his life."

In his own message posted on his social media channels, Vallejo said that he is "leaving with good feelings and valuable lessons, both on and off the field".

Jesus Vallejo played his final game for Real against Real Sociedad. Image: Getty

What next for Jesus Vallejo after Real Madrid exit?

Vallejo's contract officially expired on June 30 but his departure was announced a month earlier, on the same day that the arrival of Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool for a fee of £8.4 million was confirmed by the club.

The 28-year-old's next destination has not been announced but there is rumoured interest from Rayo Vallecano as well as Bundesliga side St Pauli should Vallejo decide against remaining in Spain.

However, Vallecano could be the most appealing proposal as Vallejo would not have to relocate and would also be able to play in Europe next season after Rayo qualified for the Conference League by finishing eighth in La Liga.