Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract with Liverpool still runs until the end of June, raising questions about his ability to play for Real Madrid in the upcoming Club World Cup.
Real Madrid officially announced the signing of Arnold on Friday, but it’s clear the deal will never be a free transfer as originally planned.
The Athletic reported that Real Madrid had to pay Liverpool €10 million to release Arnold early and allow him to join the club for the 2025 Club World Cup.
Real Madrid also agreed with Liverpool and Arnold himself to pay him his full salary for June and July so he can travel to the United States with coach Xabi Alonso’s squad.
Arnold’s participation with Real Madrid in the World Cup is extremely important, as Lucas Vázquez has been widely criticized for his poor form, while Dani Carvajal is not yet fully ready to return to the right flank despite nearing full recovery from his knee injury.
