Trent Alexander-Arnold Set to Join Real Madrid, Leaving Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced his departure from Liverpool, where he spent his entire career and became an iconic figure, particularly for his number 66 shirt. His move to Real Madrid is imminent, with the Spanish club seeking defensive reinforcements following injuries, and Alexander-Arnold expected to compete with Dani Carvajal for a starting spot. Lucas Vazquez, a long-serving Madrid player, will leave the club as a result of Alexander-Arnold's arrival, ending his 17-year association with the team. Due to La Liga regulations that restrict squad numbers to 1–25, Alexander-Arnold will have to choose a new shirt number at Real Madrid, leaving behind the number 66 that became iconic in Liverpool. Real Madrid's club tradition, reinforced by president Florentino Perez, also favors lower squad numbers, further limiting Alexander-Arnold's options. Liverpool will require Madrid to pay a fee if they want Alexander-Arnold to join early and participate in the FIFA Club World Cup.