Trent Alexander-Arnold is the perfect full-back for Xabi Alonso’s system—but was he really worth a huge fee for just a few Club World Cup games?
May 30: Real Madrid sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool in a €10m deal.
For Liverpool: A crushing loss—made painfully clear by the hostile reception Alexander-Arnold faced at Anfield upon his return after his exit was confirmed. The right-back’s departure has sparked fierce debate, but one point is undeniable: letting their most valuable asset leave for free to a European rival would have been catastrophic, both financially and competitively.
While the club at least salvaged €10m (£8.4m/$11.3m) to facilitate his early move to Madrid for the Club World Cup, the board must shoulder significant blame for allowing the situation to reach this point. After all, Alexander-Arnold wasn’t the only star running down his contract—this was an avoidable failure.
For Real Madrid: The Spanish giants have perfected the art of luring elite players into running down their contracts, allowing them to secure world-class talent without exorbitant fees. In recent seasons, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Kylian Mbappé have all arrived at the Bernabéu on free transfers—and now Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest star seduced by Madrid’s prestige, not to mention the chance to reunite with close friend Jude Bellingham.
While Alexander-Arnold is a stark stylistic contrast to Dani Carvajal and questions linger about his defensive reliability, his attacking brilliance makes him an ideal fit for Xabi Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system. His exceptional passing range could even see him transition into a deep-lying playmaker role—filling the void left by Toni Kroos’ retirement.
At just €10 million, this deal is a no-brainer for Madrid—even if the €3 million-per-game cost for his Club World Cup appearances feels a tad excessive.
For Alexander-Arnold: A Career-Defining Gamble
Once destined to wear the Liverpool captain’s armband, Alexander-Arnold has risked his Anfield legacy with a controversial free transfer to Real Madrid—the very club that has tormented the Reds in recent years. A hometown hero who dreamed of emulating Steven Gerrard’s legendary status may now find himself remembered more like Michael Owen: a prodigal son turned pariah.
He knew the backlash was coming. The jeers, the accusations of betrayal—none of it surprised him. But the pull of Madrid proved irresistible. Beyond the prestige, he sees it as his golden ticket to the Ballon d’Or, a prize he believes lies beyond reach at Liverpool. Whether that ambition is realistic is debatable, but it reveals a player no longer content with comfort. He’s chasing greatness, and at the Bernabéu—where every pass is scrutinized and every trophy is demanded—he’ll either soar or unravel.
