Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup? The feasibility of an early La Liga move prior to Liverpool free agency
There seems to be no more ambiguity about it — All signs point to Real Madrid acquiring Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The Spanish giants are intent not only on signing the English full-back this summer but on having him make his debut earlier than expected, during the newly expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Reports from Spain suggest that at Valdebebas, the club’s training ground, officials are already picturing Alexander-Arnold delivering his signature whipped crosses against Al-Hilal, Pachuca, or Salzburg, Madrid’s group stage rivals. Carlo Ancelotti’s staff view this summer’s tournament not just as a commercial opportunity but as the perfect setting for their newest star to announce himself. And yet, while the ambition is clear, the path is anything but simple.
The driving force behind this urgency is not just sporting logic, but also a touch of necessity. Veteran right-back Dani Carvajal is nursing an ACL injury, and while he is aiming to return for the Club World Cup, there is concern inside the club about his readiness. Ancelotti is supposedly wary of relying on Lucas Vazquez for such a high-profile event.
Behind the scenes, Jude Bellingham has played an understated but important role, Relevo claims. The English midfielder, and close friend of Alexander-Arnold, has reportedly been pivotal in convincing his compatriot to embrace the Spanish capital as his next home.
Can Real Madrid actually make it happen?
Here is where reality tempers the dream. Alexander-Arnold’s contract with Liverpool officially runs until June 30, meaning that, technically, Madrid could only register him after that date. However, FIFA has introduced an exceptional mini transfer window from June 1 to June 10, intended to help Club World Cup participants reinforce their squads.
This window creates a loophole — but it’s not wide open. For Madrid to make use of it, they must first secure Liverpool’s consent to release Alexander-Arnold before the contract’s natural expiration. Whether the Reds will be cooperative remains the pivotal question.
Would Liverpool be willing to let Alexander-Arnold leave before the Club World Cup?
According to Diario AS and talkSPORT, Liverpool might not stand in the way if offered suitable compensation, especially since they risk losing the player for nothing later anyway. The final month of Alexander-Arnold’s wages would cost the Spaniards £700,000 ($905,000) to £800,000 ($1 million), a small sum by their standards. However, the English giants may push for a higher fee, closer to the £20 million ($26 million) the Whites reportedly offered back in January.
This is where pride and pragmatism collide. Arne Slot‘s outfit could view early surrender as an unacceptable message, especially with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also approaching contract expiry. On the other hand, with no European competitions this summer and the player seemingly bound for Madrid regardless, why prolong the inevitable?
The reigning Spanish champions are said to be optimistic. Club sources quoted by The Daily Mail are “counting on” the England international taking part in the Club World Cup at some stage. Even if Liverpool holds firm on early release, a second registration window between June 27 and July 3 means Alexander-Arnold could still join Madrid mid-tournament, provided both La Liga and the Premier League approve the registration.