Liverpool's Arne Slot Suggests Trent Alexander-Arnold's Early Move to Real Madrid for Club World Cup

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed disappointment over Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave the club, hinting at his likely move to Real Madrid. Although Alexander-Arnold's contract runs until June 30, 2025, Real Madrid is reportedly negotiating for an early release to include him in their FIFA Club World Cup squad starting June 14. Slot refrained from confirming the move but acknowledged the speculation. Alexander-Arnold announced his departure, citing it as a difficult decision, while Slot prepares for his exit by promoting Conor Bradley as his successor.

Slot Acknowledges Departure, Avoids Confirming Destination

Speaking publicly for the first time since Alexander-Arnold announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, Arne Slot expressed both personal and professional disappointment. “Like everybody who likes Liverpool, we’re disappointed about Trent leaving. Not only because a good human being is leaving the club but also a very good full-back,” Slot said during his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal.

While Alexander-Arnold has not officially confirmed his next club, Slot’s comments left little doubt. “Do you know where he is going?” he said with a smile. “He hasn’t said anything about it himself — the only thing he has said is that he’s going to leave the club.” The Dutchman added, “You see by my smile we both know where he’s going to, but it hasn’t been said yet” — a clear nod to the long-standing links with Real Madrid.

Real Madrid Push for Early Transfer Ahead of Club World Cup

Although Alexander-Arnold’s contract with Liverpool runs until June 30, 2025, Real Madrid are reportedly eager to secure his services before that date. The Spanish giants are set to participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14. Madrid’s first match is scheduled for June 18 — 13 days before Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract officially ends.

According to multiple reports, Real Madrid have approached Liverpool to negotiate an early release. The club is believed to be preparing a compensation offer of around €1 million (£850,000) and may also require Alexander-Arnold to waive his final month’s salary to facilitate the move. However, no agreement has been reached, and Slot declined to comment on whether Liverpool would sanction an early departure. “For me, it’s impossible to comment on where he’s going and if that is a club that is going to play in the Club World Cup,” he said.

Alexander-Arnold’s Announcement and Fan Reaction

Alexander-Arnold confirmed on Monday that he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season, calling it “the hardest decision of my life.” The announcement ended months of speculation, during which Real Madrid had grown increasingly confident of landing the England international on a free transfer.

Slot acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision and the mixed reactions from fans. “That people have an opinion about us, whether it’s Trent or me or someone else, that’s not new for anyone,” he said. “Probably, it’s a bit more now for him than he is used to and probably a bit more negative than he’s used to, but I don’t follow all of this.”

The manager urged supporters to focus their energy on the team during the final matches of the season. “I’m hoping all of the energy goes to the players and less as possible to Trent — unless it is positive, then they can do whatever they want,” he added.

Preparing for Life After Trent

Slot, who previously managed AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, emphasized that he is accustomed to losing key players and remains confident in Liverpool’s ability to adapt. “I also worked at clubs where every season multiple very good players left, so I’m a bit more used to it,” he said. “If a very good player is leaving, then the next very good player will step up, and that is probably what is going to happen now.”

In that vein, Slot confirmed that 21-year-old Conor Bradley will start at right-back against Arsenal. The Northern Ireland international has struggled with injuries this season but is seen as a promising successor. “We have a lot of confidence in Conor as a very good full-back for Liverpool and that is what he has already shown,” Slot said.

Timeline and Implications

Alexander-Arnold’s final game for Liverpool is expected to be on May 25. With his contract officially expiring on June 30, the window for Real Madrid to secure his early release is narrow. The Club World Cup’s start date of June 14 adds urgency to Madrid’s efforts, but Liverpool have yet to indicate whether they will accommodate the request.

Slot’s reluctance to confirm or deny the early move reflects the sensitive nature of the negotiations. While the manager has made peace with Alexander-Arnold’s departure, the timing and terms of his exit remain unresolved.

Liverpool's Arne Slot Suggests Trent Alexander-Arnold's Early Move to Real Madrid for Club World Cup

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