MADRID — Real Madrid unveiled their newest defensive acquisition, Trent Alexander-Arnold, on Thursday. The 26-year-old English right-back expressed his excitement about joining the renowned Spanish club, declaring it a dream fulfilled. Having experienced challenges in their defensive line due to injuries last season, Madrid is reinforcing its squad with this strategic move.
After negotiating a transfer fee reportedly approaching 10 million euros ($11.5 million), Real Madrid secured Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on June 1. This proactive signing ensures his availability for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, allowing Madrid to strengthen their team under manager Xabi Alonso.
In their Club World Cup campaign, Madrid will face Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal next Wednesday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Accompanied by his family, Alexander-Arnold completed his contract signing alongside club president Florentino Pérez before addressing fans in Spanish.
“Thank you for this opportunity,” Alexander-Arnold said. “Joining Real Madrid is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. It’s a dream come true, and I’m honored to play for this legendary club. I’m eager to impress the fans but aware of the immense responsibility I have. I’ll give my all for this team and its supporters.”
This week also saw the introduction of central defender Dean Huijsen to Madrid’s ranks. Alexander-Arnold, now the bearer of the No. 12 jersey, has committed to a six-year contract, extending through June 2031. He will link up with fellow England international, Jude Bellingham, at the club.
During his tenure with Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold secured nine titles, including a Champions League and two Premier League trophies. Reflecting on Alexander-Arnold’s move, Pérez remarked, “We are welcoming a player whose achievements at Liverpool defined an era. Despite having several paths before you, you chose to join Real Madrid, a decision we treasure greatly.”
The signings align with special transfer allowances provided by FIFA, offering early recruitment windows from June 1-10 and June 27-July 3 for Club World Cup participants.
Confirming longstanding speculation, Alexander-Arnold had announced his departure from Liverpool, where he played 354 matches and netted 23 goals. Real Madrid, determined to rise after a subpar season ending second to Barcelona in La Liga and a premature Champions League exit despite acquiring Kylian Mbappé, looks to Alexander-Arnold’s expertise to fortify their future success.