Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid on June 1, 2025, after the English international will be allowed to play in the Club World Cup thanks to a transfer fee of $11.3 million.

Previously, Alexander-Arnold had plans to move to Madrid following the conclusion of his contract with Liverpool. However, this arrangement would have delayed his joining until July 1, during which time Madrid would already be in their summer tournament in the U.S.

Real Madrid initiated discussions with Liverpool and struck a deal that benefits both parties, allowing them to secure their new right back just in time for Xabi Alonso’s first competitive games.

This outcome is a boon for Liverpool, who had expected to lose the England international on a free transfer. Initially, Madrid’s offer was considerably lower, below a million dollars, but Liverpool has now secured a sum that surpasses a previous rejected offer from December. Additionally, they’ll save on a month’s wages.

In response to Alexander-Arnold’s departure, Liverpool reportedly intends to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for $40 million and is also scouting Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.

Now with Madrid, Alexander-Arnold will complement a defense that includes new signing Dean Huijsen, who is also set to join on June 1. They will have only a few weeks to acclimate before Madrid kicks off their campaign against Al-Hilal on June 18.