Alexander-Arnold close to signing €15 million-per-year contract

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly on the verge of completing a blockbuster move to Real Madrid ahead of the 2025–26 season.

According to several international outlets, including the highly reputable Spanish newspaper Marca, the Liverpool right-back is close to finalising a five-year contract with the reigning European champions a deal that could mark a major turning point in both his career and in the long-term plans of the Spanish giants.

The 26-year-old is in the final months of his contract with Liverpool, and negotiations for a renewal have stalled for some time. With no agreement in sight, Alexander-Arnold became free to negotiate with foreign clubs from January 1st, and Real Madrid have acted swiftly to position themselves as the frontrunners. The proposed deal will see the England international earn around €15 million per season, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in Europe and placing him on par with some of Madrid’s top earners.

This move represents far more than just a high-profile signing. It signals a clear shift in Real Madrid’s transfer strategy a continuation of their recent pattern of acquiring elite-level players at the end of their contracts. In the last few years, Madrid have picked up David Alaba from Bayern Munich and Antonio Rüdiger from Chelsea on free transfers. Now, Alexander-Arnold is set to follow the same path, giving Madrid another world-class option in defence without incurring a transfer fee.

Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold is nothing new. Club scouts have reportedly been monitoring his development for years, intrigued not only by his technical quality but by his tactical evolution. Initially known for his dazzling runs down the right flank and pinpoint crosses, Alexander-Arnold has gradually transitioned into a more hybrid role at Liverpool, often stepping into midfield positions and dictating play from deep. His versatility, passing range, and set-piece threat have made him one of the most unique full-backs in modern football.

According to Spanish sources, Madrid attempted to secure his signature during the last January transfer window but were unable to convince Liverpool to part ways with their homegrown star mid-season. At the time, Liverpool were still fighting on multiple fronts, and manager Jürgen Klopp was counting on Alexander-Arnold to be a key piece in his squad. But with the player’s contract nearing its end and the club facing an impending managerial change, the dynamics have shifted.

Alexander-Arnold’s potential departure comes at a time of significant transition for Liverpool. With Klopp announcing his exit at the end of the season and several senior players entering the final stages of their careers, the club is expected to undergo a period of rebuilding. While the Anfield board had hoped to tie down Alexander-Arnold to a long-term deal, reports suggest the defender was increasingly drawn to the idea of a new challenge especially at a club like Real Madrid, where the prospect of competing for La Liga titles and Champions League trophies remains constant.

The move is likely to sting for Liverpool supporters. Alexander-Arnold has been a symbol of the club’s identity a local lad from West Derby, a product of the academy, and one of the key architects of Liverpool’s success under Klopp. Since making his senior debut in 2016, he has gone on to make more than 300 appearances for the club, helping them to win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and EFL Cup. His legacy at Anfield is secure, but his departure especially on a free transfer will raise questions about the club’s management of player contracts and long-term planning.

For Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold is seen as the natural successor to Dani Carvajal, who despite continuing to perform at a high level, is now entering the twilight of his career. With Ferland Mendy and Fran García covering the left side, the addition of Alexander-Arnold gives Madrid a dynamic and attacking outlet on the right one capable of operating both as a traditional full-back and as an inverted playmaker. His ability to slot into midfield will offer manager Carlo Ancelotti or his potential successor greater tactical flexibility in a team that already boasts the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni in the engine room.

Beyond the tactical fit, the signing is also symbolic. Real Madrid continue to attract the world’s best players, not just with money, but with ambition, vision, and prestige. The potential arrivals of Alexander-Arnold and Kylian Mbappé who is also expected to join on a free transfer from PSG would send shockwaves through European football and signal that Madrid are not just building for the present, but preparing a dynasty for the next decade.

Official confirmation of the deal is not expected until the end of the season out of respect for Liverpool and its fans. Alexander-Arnold is still committed to giving his all in the final months of the campaign, hoping to help the Reds lift one more trophy before saying goodbye. Whether it’s the Premier League, FA Cup, or Europa League, a strong finish would be a fitting send-off for one of the club’s most iconic academy graduates.

In the end, Alexander-Arnold’s legacy at Liverpool is already written but a new chapter in Madrid beckons. And if the reports are accurate, it could be a defining moment not only for his career but for the future of Real Madrid.