Liverpool to demand 'sensational' release fee for Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold
Context:
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool and join Real Madrid on a free transfer after the 2024/25 season, although the deal has not yet been finalized. Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, is negotiating for a release fee higher than the €600,000 offered by Real Madrid, with the possibility of asking Alexander-Arnold to waive his final month's salary if he wishes to leave early. The move is complicated by Real Madrid's participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, requiring the transfer window to open early to register players. Simon Jordan, former Crystal Palace chairman, advises Liverpool to demand a substantial fee, emphasizing that Liverpool should not facilitate Real Madrid's tournament aspirations without adequate compensation. Both clubs are navigating the logistics of this high-profile transfer, with Liverpool standing firm on their financial expectations for the early release of their star defender.
Dive Deeper:
Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool after the 2024/25 season for Real Madrid, seeking a new challenge, with a deal expected soon but not yet confirmed.
Real Madrid's participation in the FIFA Club World Cup requires an early transfer window, prompting discussions about an early release fee for Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool's new sporting director, Richard Hughes, is negotiating a release fee, rejecting Real Madrid's €600,000 offer and asking for €1m, with a potential request for Alexander-Arnold to waive his final month's salary.
The transfer situation is further complicated by the need for Real Madrid to register new players before the Club World Cup, necessitating negotiations for an early transfer.
Simon Jordan argues that Liverpool should demand a high release fee, asserting that Liverpool has no obligation to facilitate Real Madrid's tournament plans without substantial compensation.
The decision on the transfer fee rests with Liverpool, as both the club and the player have expressed their intentions, and Liverpool maintains the contractual rights until June 30.
The dynamics of this transfer involve strategic negotiations, with both Liverpool and Real Madrid aiming to reach an agreement that aligns with their respective interests and timelines.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool in June as Arne Slot prepares for life without his influential No.66.
The England international confirmed the expected news via an official club video at the start of May as he prepares to walk away from his boyhood club after the final game of the 2024/25 season.
Alexander-Arnold is widely expected to complete a free transfer move for a 'new challenge' at Real Madrid in the coming weeks but confirmation of a deal is not yet complete.
With Los Blancos fighting to retain their La Liga title, an update maybe delayed, with both the English and Spanish top-flight seasons ending on May 25.
The small print of Alexander-Arnold's contract is also important with the 26-year-old formally tied to Anfield until June 30.
Despite the academy-produced defender leaving Liverpool as a free agent, the club could still secure a fee, as Real Madrid assess their next move.
When can Trent Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid?
This question has two potential answers which both focus on Real Madrid's participation in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.The USA-based competition kicks off on June 14 with Real Madrid's first game against Al Hilal on June 18.
Due to the reshaping of the competition to a summer event, FIFA will open the international transfer window for ten days from June 1, to allow teams to sign new players and register current stars if their contracts run into July.
- If Real Madrid want to sign Alexander-Arnold to compete in the competition they will need to agree an early release fee with Liverpool.
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How much will Real Madrid pay for Trent?
According to previous reports via Diario AS, Real Madrid have offered €600,000 [$670,000] to speed up the deal. But Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes wants €1m [$1.1m].Liverpool could also request that Trent waives his final month’s salary - worth around €200,000 [$225,000] - if he wants to leave early.
The decision lies firmly with Liverpool, as Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid have set out their wishes, but his contract remains in place.
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has backed the Reds to stick to their guns on the issue and claimed they can demand far in excess of the early offers.
"Real Madrid do not have the right to have him until June 30, that’s the contractual position," as per Football365.
"If you want this player to play in a tournament Liverpool aren’t in, it’s not Liverpool’s job to enhance Real Madrid’s opportunity. They're not a charity.
"I would bend them over and make them tie my shoelaces and give me an extraordinary amount of money, as much as I could get.
"What’s £500,000, that’s his wages? You want something I've got, what do I get in return? A promise you might do something for me in the future? No, what I want is £5m and see how much you’ll play towards that."
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