“Deal to be Finalised Within 24 Hours” – Paul Joyce Provides Update on Liverpool Star’s Exit | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold Nearing Real Madrid Move Amid Early Transfer Push

Real Madrid have stepped up efforts to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold’s signature ahead of schedule, with talks accelerating to bring the Liverpool vice-captain to the Spanish capital before his contract expires on June 30. As reported by Paul Joyce in The Times, sources in Spain believe a deal could be finalised “within 24 hours,” allowing the England international to feature in Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign next month.

Xabi Alonso, newly appointed as Real Madrid head coach, is keen to have Alexander-Arnold available for the opening match against Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18. FIFA has created a special transfer window from June 1 to June 10 for this competition, and Madrid want to make full use of it.

Having already tried to bring Alexander-Arnold to the Bernabéu in January for £20 million — an offer Liverpool rebuffed — Real Madrid are now determined to get their man. Liverpool, newly crowned Premier League champions under Arne Slot, are holding firm on their stance that an early release will require appropriate compensation.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot Era Faces First Major Test

Alexander-Arnold’s move is poised to be the first major departure under Arne Slot’s leadership. Having just led Liverpool to a stunning league title in his debut season, Slot now finds himself in the unenviable position of losing one of the club’s most influential homegrown players.

It was a fitting send-off when Alexander-Arnold lifted the Premier League trophy on Sunday after what may have been his final appearance in a red shirt. He leaves behind not just a footballing legacy, but also an emotional connection with fans forged through years of commitment and clutch performances on the biggest stages.

His potential absence from pre-season planning and future Champions League campaigns will be keenly felt at Anfield. Liverpool are eyeing replacements, with Jeremie Frimpong among the players expected to arrive this summer, but few will fill the void left by the Scouser who redefined the modern right-back role.

Tactical Reasons Behind Madrid’s Interest

Madrid’s desire to bring in Alexander-Arnold early is not just symbolic. Alonso clearly sees him as a key component for a transitional side aiming to dominate both in Europe and internationally. As Joyce notes, “Xabi Alonso wants the player in his squad for their first match of the newly expanded tournament.”

With Dani Carvajal ageing and Madrid looking to inject youth and creativity from the back, Alexander-Arnold represents an ideal fit. His vision, long-range passing, and adaptability make him much more than a traditional full-back — he is, in many ways, a playmaker from deep.

Photo: IMAGO

Madrid’s project under Alonso looks to blend experience with dynamic, technical footballers. In Alexander-Arnold, they would be acquiring a player capable of executing a precise system while offering leadership on the pitch.

Broader Transfer Implications at Liverpool

Liverpool’s transfer market activity indicates that Alexander-Arnold’s departure is part of a wider rebuilding plan. Talks continue for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz in what could be a club-record deal, and Frimpong’s arrival looks imminent at £30 million.

Elsewhere, Luis Díaz has caught the attention of Saudi side Al-Nassr and Barcelona, while Darwin Núñez’s future remains uncertain. With Milos Kerkez also on the radar for £45 million, the club appear willing to sanction sales to fund their next phase under Slot.

Pepijn Lijnders, meanwhile, could make headlines of his own. Formerly Klopp’s assistant, he is reportedly being considered for a role on Pep Guardiola’s coaching team at Manchester City. His move, if it materialises, would add an intriguing twist to the rivalry between England’s two dominant clubs.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard to overstate the emotional weight of this potential move for Liverpool supporters. Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t just a world-class player — he’s our world-class player. A born-and-bred Scouser, a Champions League winner, and now, a Premier League champion. Letting him go, and early at that, feels like a betrayal of everything the club preaches about loyalty and identity.

Yes, Slot has brought success quickly, but tearing out the beating heart of the team just weeks after winning the title leaves a sour taste. What message does this send to the academy lads dreaming of becoming the next Trent? That even lifting the league trophy doesn’t guarantee you finish your contract?

Real Madrid want him now because they recognise his value — both on the pitch and in the dressing room. But Liverpool should be demanding far more than a polite transfer fee. This isn’t just any player. This is a generational talent, a symbol of the club’s resurgence under Klopp, and a figure who carried the club when others faltered.

Fans will understand evolution, but they deserve transparency. If this deal goes through quietly and quickly, the fallout could overshadow the bright new dawn under Slot.