Real Madrid has officially commenced transfer negotiations with Liverpool for the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
On Monday, the England international confirmed his departure from his boyhood club at the season`s conclusion, with a five-year contract at Real Madrid reportedly agreed.
Real Madrid aims to have Alexander-Arnold available for next month`s Club World Cup, potentially requiring a transfer fee exceeding £1 million.
Liverpool will continue paying his £180,000-a-week wages until his current contract expires on June 30.
Real`s first match in the US is against Saudi team Al-Hilal on June 18. Registration for new players could occur between June 1-10 or, for the knockout stage, between June 27-July 3.
While Real hoped to sign Alexander-Arnold for around £1 million, Liverpool may negotiate for a higher fee, potentially seeking an additional £500,000.
The 26-year-old Alexander-Arnold has three remaining matches for Liverpool, with his Anfield farewell scheduled against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season. He is also expected to feature against Arsenal on Sunday and then against Brighton.
However, his final appearances for Liverpool may not be met with universal warmth from the fans. Many supporters are reportedly upset by his decision to leave.
Club legend Jamie Carragher has stated the fan reaction is “justified”, arguing in his column that a top club like Liverpool aims for titles, and a player`s departure that hinders this goal is naturally emotional for the fanbase, making the pursuit of the 21st league title and seventh European Cup harder.
Negative reactions from fans have included some extreme examples, such as claims of him being “banned” from visiting specific local establishments mentioned in other reports.
In his farewell interview, Alexander-Arnold described the decision as very difficult after 20 years at the club where he achieved all his dreams. He stated the reason for leaving is the desire for a new challenge and change, both as a player and a person. He stressed this wasn`t due to a lack of faith in Liverpool`s future success but purely a personal need.
He understands the anger and disappointment of the fans, acknowledging that it`s hard to let people down, but he had to make a decision for himself. He expressed deep love for the club that gave him every opportunity, thanked the fans for 20 years of support, and promised to always remain a Liverpool fan, hoping to bring his children to Anfield one day.
