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Topics: Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid, Transfers, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup
Ryan Smart
Topics: Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid, Transfers, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup
Spanish media have made a shock Trent Alexander-Arnold claim ahead of his expected move to Real Madrid from Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold announced on Monday that he would be leaving Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season.
It was subsequently reported that he had reached a verbal agreement to sign for Real on a free transfer from July.
And according to ESPN, Los Blancos are willing to pay a 'reasonable fee' to Liverpool to release Alexander-Arnold from his contract early so that he can play in the Club World Cup, which gets underway on June 14.
With Real desperate to add a right-back to their squad as Dani Carvajal continues his recovery from an ACL injury, the England star's arrival will add further strength to a side that is already aiming to reclaim their Champions League crown next season.
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On the opposite side of the El Clasico divide, the move will not have gone down well with Barcelona and their supporters.
And on Monday, Diario Sport claimed (via Sport Witness) that Alexander-Arnold had been offered to Barca before his Real agreement - but Hansi Flick's side 'didn't want to compete with the multi-million dollar fee the club has put on the table'.
They also claim that a move for Liverpool's number 66 'wasn't worth it'.
Whether the report is true, or simply an attempt to downplay the significance of Alexander-Arnold's decision to join Real, it will no doubt add to the El Clasico rivalry when Real and Barca face off next season.
Meanwhile, several Liverpool stars have already penned farewell messages for their soon-to-be departing team-mate, including Mohamed Salah.
Taking to Twitter on Monday evening, Salah wrote: "It's been a pleasure sharing a special friendship with you and playing alongside you.
"I wish you the best and I am sure we will meet again."