Trent Alexander-Arnold departs Liverpool, joins Real Madrid on long-term deal

Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially announced his departure from Liverpool after over 20 years, confirming he will leave at the end of the season to pursue a new professional challenge, with Real Madrid set as his next destination. The English full-back, who has become a symbol at Liverpool, will join Real Madrid on a free transfer and is expected to sign a long-term deal, reportedly earning around €176,000 per week after tax and receiving a significant signing-on fee. Alexander-Arnold cited both the desire for a new challenge and a lifestyle change as main reasons for his move, and the transition is anticipated to be eased by the presence of his friend and England teammate Jude Bellingham in Madrid. While Alexander-Arnold has expressed admiration for Barcelona in the past, all indications point to his imminent signing with Real Madrid, where he will also join a number of high-profile players living in the exclusive La Finca neighborhood. There remains some uncertainty as to whether he will be registered in time to play in the Club World Cup, depending on negotiations between Liverpool and Madrid regarding an early release. Overall, the move marks the end of an era for Liverpool and the beginning of a new chapter for Alexander-Arnold at one of Europe's top clubs.