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REAL MADRID PRESIDENT WELCOMES TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD - 'THE BERNABEU AWAITS YOU'

Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website

Two days after the official presentation of Dean Huijsen, it is now the moment of Trent Alexander-Arnold to be presented as the latest addition to the Real Madrid squad.

The England international arrives from Liverpool, a few weeks before his contract at Anfield fully expired, so that Real Madrid can have him represent them at the FIFA Club World Cup.

As such, for what would have been a free-transfer signing, Los Blancos had to shell out a compensation reported to be €10 million to secure Trent’s early release from the Premier League champions.

Alexander-Arnold arrived in Madrid today and underwent the customary medical check-ups before the ceremonial contract signing with club president Florentino Perez.

Florentino welcomes Trent Alexander-Arnold

Handed the No. 12 shirt, previously held by club legend Marcelo, the 26-year-old was presented formally in front of media and club members, following which Perez welcomed him with a touching speech.

“Dear Trent Alexander-Arnold, good afternoon and welcome to Real Madrid City. A player who has won everything and who is one of the best defenders in the world is coming to Madrid,” Perez said to kick things off.

“He has become a legend at Liverpool and wants to continue to make his history at Madrid. We welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold.”

👕 #WelcomeTrent 👕 pic.twitter.com/wsspXyM1q

- Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 12, 2025

Continuing, the Real Madrid chief added: “I want to thank you because we know what it means to you to play for Real Madrid. We will never forget it. You come from Liverpool, a club that is dear to us. You have won nine titles at Anfield.

“You must be proud of everything you have achieved both at Liverpool and with England. In all these stages of your life there has been your family, we know what they mean to you. They represent hard work and effort.

“They are here to accompany you on one of the most exciting days of your life. You are now part of Real Madrid. It is the most beloved and successful club in the world, the club of the 15 European Cups.”

Talking about what awaits Alexander-Arnold on his journey at Real Madrid, Perez said:

“Your talent and capacity for sacrifice lead you to the conviction that you are going to make it here. The Bernabeu awaits you, where you will experience unique moments. You will fall in love with its magic.

“At Madrid you will find a great family. There is a great friend of yours: Bellingham. Besides being great players, they are all Madridistas. You will soon understand what Madrid is all about. Our next challenge is the Club World Cup.”

Concluding, he added: “You are going to see what Real Madrid represents for millions of madridistas. The strength of the fans feeds this legend.

“One of the great figures of world football is coming to our club. Thank you Trent for coming to your new home. Thank you very much”, concluded the Real Madrid president.”

Source: RMTV

- Raghavendra Goudar

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD GAVE A SPEECH AFTER JOINING REAL MADRID

 

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD ARRIVES FOR REAL MADRID DAY

 

REAL MADRID UNVEIL TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

 

SPANISH MEDIA INEVITABLY SAY REAL MADRID AREN'T PAYING €10M TO LIVERPOOL FOR TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

Trent Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid after two decades at Liverpool (AP Photo)

Real Madrid’s agreement to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold early from Liverpool is worth an initial €5m and he will join on June 1st.

That’s according to El Mundo, who report that Liverpool and Real Madrid have reached an economic agreement for the full-back so he can play for the Spanish giants in the Club World Cup.

Alexander-Arnold already had an agreement with Real Madrid on a six-year deal running until June 2031, but they needed to pay Liverpool to sign him early.

Reports in England have stated this figure will be €10m but Spanish broadsheet EL Mundo state that Madrid will instead pay €5m. That includes the final month of Alexander-Arnold’s contract at Liverpool.

There is no mention of potential bonuses, with reports elsewhere stating Real Madrid were paying these alongside his final month of wages.

Either way, as far as the Spanish newspaper is concerned, Real Madrid are paying half of what the English media have said they will be paying. We’ll allow you to decide who to believe. There was always going to be a disagreement, hence Madrid nor Liverpool reporting the fee.

Alexander-Arnold becomes Madrid’s second signing this summer, following the deal to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth earlier this month.

- Sport Witness

BAYERN LEVERKUSEN RESPOND TO LIVERPOOL TRANSFER APPROACH FOR JEREMY FRIMPONG

Liverpool are in talks to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen (Getty)

Bayer Leverkusen say they are ‘unaware’ of Liverpool’s push to sign Jeremie Frimpong.

Liverpool have identified the 24-year-old as a top target to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is leaving to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.

The Netherlands international appears to be a good fit for Arne Slot’s system at Liverpool having played a key role in Leverkusen’s league and cup double success last season with 12 goals and seven assists.

Frimpong, who attracted interest from Manchester United last year, has a €35 million (£29.6m) release clause in his deal with Leverkusen which can be triggered in the summer window.

Reports this week have suggested that Liverpool are closing in on a move to sign Frimpong, however, Leverkusen’s CEO, Fernando Carro, says the German club are in the dark about a possible deal.

‘Jeremie Frimpong has a long contract with us, which also has an exit clause, but we are currently unaware of any transfer,’ Carro told RTL.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen are also facing the prospect of losing Florian Wirtz, who is attracting interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer window.

- Chris Davie

MO SALAH AIMS SUBTITLE DIG AT YRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD AFTER SIGNING NEW LIVERPOOL CONTRACT

Mohamed Salah emphasised his desire to win trophies with Liverpool, not individual honours, after signing a new deal – in a clear contrast to Trent Alexander-Arnold's recent comments

Mohamed Salah is not concerned about individual awards(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah says he decided to stay at Liverpool because he wants to win trophies with his team-mates – in a clear contrast to Trent Alexander-Arnold. It was announced on Friday morning that Salah has signed a new contract with the Reds and will continue to spearhead Arne Slot ’s side next season.

He is the first of Liverpool’s three out-of-contract stars to announce his decision, with the futures of Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk still unclear. Like Salah, Van Dijk is expected to put pen to paper on a new two-year contract, but Alexander-Arnold is poised to leave on a free transfer to Real Madrid when his deal expires at the end of June.

Salah is in the midst of his best-ever season with Liverpool, having recorded 32 goals and 22 assists in 45 games so far. With the Premier League title heading to Merseyside, the Egyptian has made it clear that he thinks the future is bright under Slot.

“I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football,” he said. Salah has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup and two Carabao Cups since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017 and in an interview with the club media he made it clear what his goals for the future are.

Asked about sitting third on the club’s all-time goalscorer list, Salah replied: “It’s great but I’m more proud when we win team trophies because this is the most important thing. When you win something with the team and are scoring goals and you are involved, that’s what people remember. Just individual awards without winning anything doesn’t feel great.”

He had a similar response when asked about chasing the Premier League’s golden boot this season. “ I’m just a good winger and I try to do my job,” he said modestly. “As long as we’re winning games and are close to winning trophies, that’s the most important thing.”

When it was pointed out that he is four goals off going fourth in the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer’s list, Salah said: “Of course. To be fair, it’s great. But, again, when you are scoring goals and you feel like you are involved in most of the games and the team is close to winning big trophies, that’s an unbelievable feeling.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Some Liverpool fans may draw a parallel between Salah’s words and those of Alexander-Arnold’s back in October when speaking to Sky Sports. The 26-year-old was asked to choose between winning another Champions League title, winning a trophy with England, becoming Liverpool captain or winning the Ballon d’Or and he went for the individual award over team honours.

“Winning a World Cup with England – that would be immense and change the game, but I’d say win a Ballon d’Or, because I believe I can. I want to be the first full-back to ever do it,” he said before adding: “I believe it. Some people may call me deluded, but I believe I can.”

And asked how he’d like to be thought of in 20 years’ time, Alexander-Arnold said: “A legend of football. Someone who changed the game – that’s the main thing that I have: ‘don’t play the game, change the game’.

"So that’s the legacy I want to have: being the greatest right-back to ever play football, if I’m honest. I know that there’s been so many out there, but I’ve got to reach for the stars and that’s where I believe my ceiling can go.”

- Felix Keith

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD HEADING TO REAL MADRID

 

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LIVERPOOL CAPTAIN VIRGIL VAN DIJK UNCERTAIN WITH FUTURE

The Liverpool captain is one of three Reds stars with an expiring contract as doubts swirl over the futures of Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold

Virgil van Dijk admits he has no idea what his future holds as his contract talks with Liverpool continue.

The Liverpool captain’s current deal – like those of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold – expires at the end of the season and he has been discussing an extension with the club.

But Liverpool risk losing a £75m signing on a free transfer with Van Dijk able to arrange a summer move to foreign clubs from January and the centre-back unsure whether he will remain at Anfield.

He said: “I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future. My very full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else. What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.”

Van Dijk turns 34 in July but has been in fine form, prompting thoughts he could play on at a high level for several years.

Speaking after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, he added: “I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun. What the future brings I have no idea at the moment, but discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys will know it as well. But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”

- Richard Jolly, Senior Football Correspondent

LIVERPOOL'S TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD UNFAZED EXIT TALK - ARNE SLOT

 

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has said his vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold is not disturbed by the growing speculation around his future at the Premier League club and is fully focused on matters on the pitch.

The 26-year-old England right-back has been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid with his Liverpool contract running out at the end of the season. Alexander-Arnold last month said his contract situation will not be played out in public.

Having come through the ranks at Anfield and captaining the club across its youth levels, Alexander-Arnold has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and the Club World Cup among other major honours since making his senior debut in 2016.

Captain Virgil van Dijk and winger Mohamed Salah are also out of contract at the end of the campaign.

"I think you underestimate our players. These players are used to being linked with all the top clubs on a daily basis, if they have contracts or not," Slot told a news conference ahead of Sunday's Premier League home clash against Chelsea.

"If you think they're disturbed by this interest then you don't do justice to how strong they are mentally. This is part of our job. This is part of this world we are living in. You just focus on what you have to do.

"Maybe if you're 17 or 18 years of age it could be difficult for you. But Trent has won the league, has won the Champions League; Virgil and Mo the same. I don't think that is a problem for them to perform and that's what we see at the moment because they're playing really well."

Liverpool, who top the Premier League table with 18 points from seven matches, will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker against Chelsea as he faces a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Slot said he expects the 32-year-old Brazil international to return before Christmas.

"But you never know. It is always difficult to know how an injury will go in the first stages, so we can answer that question better in two or three weeks' time," the Dutchman added.

- Reuters 

ENGLAND CRUISE AGAINST FINLAND IN REBOUND FROM GREECE LOSS

England enjoyed a 3-1 win over Finland thanks to goals from Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Sunday to get their Nations League campaign back on track after Thursday's humbling loss to Greece.

England are second in Group B2 with nine points after four games, level on points with leaders Greece who host Ireland later on Sunday, while Finland are bottom without a point.

"I think we could have had a few more [goals], especially towards the end as the game opened up," Grealish told ITV.

"It was difficult at times in the first-half, but we went in at half-time with a one-goal lead, and then I think we dominated the game."

Grealish opened the scoring in the 18th minute with his fourth England goal when Angel Gomes spun and slipped a clever pass into the path of the winger, who slotted the ball into the far corner past goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

"The goal came from the manager letting us play with that freedom," Grealish said.

Alexander-Arnold then bent a free kick from 20 metres over the wall into the top corner in the 74th minute before Rice tapped home substitute Ollie Watkins' cross 10 minutes later after making a bursting run from midfield.

"I was still in my own half, in the box when the ball got played to [Watkins], and I thought 'you know what, just keep going,' and it was just instinct being aware, Ollie's crossed it and I arrived there," Rice said.

Arttu Hoskonen pulled one back for Finland with an 87th minute header from a corner, the lapse in England's defence costing keeper Dean Henderson a clean sheet on his first start.

"At the end, we were a bit gutted as players to concede from a set piece. But ... we needed a win today, so happy with that" Grealish added, who celebrated his goal with a thumb-sucking gesture to celebrate the birth of his daughter last month.

England's interim manager Lee Carsley made six changes from the shambolic 2-1 defeat by Greece at Wembley, with captain Harry Kane back from injury to lead the line.

England also returned to a more conventional formation after Carsley's experimental lineup without a main striker against the Greeks failed miserably.

Carsley has faced scrutiny since the loss, his first since Gareth Southgate stood down as England manager after Euro 2024.

Sunday's win, at the stadium that hosted the 1952 Olympics, kept alive England's hopes of automatic promotion to League A of the Nations League after they were relegated last time out.

They need to finish top of the group to automatically secure a berth in the competition's highest section, which likely means a victory when they play Greece again in Athens on Nov. 14.

Finland will regret missing chances when England led 1-0, including two from Fredrik Jensen who fired just wide in the first-half and missed a sitter early in the second, flashing the ball over from close range and burying his head in his hands.

Game Information

Helsinki Olympic Stadium

7:00 PM, October 13, 2024

Helsinki, Finland

Line: ENG -1.5

Over/Under: 2.5

Referees: Giorgi Kruashvili

- Reuters 

HARRY KANE MAKES ENGLAND CENTURY IN STYLE WITH DOUBLE TO SEE OFF ENGLAND

Sportsphoto

 If at first you do not succeed, try again. It has been a guiding ­principle for Harry Kane. Here, the England captain had numerous nearly‑but‑not‑quite moments and, if it were not him, it might have been possible to think it was going to be one of those nights.

This is Kane. And the red-letter occasion when he celebrated his 100th England cap was only going to end one way – him making it happen, getting through on the strength of his talent and remorselessness.

There were 57 minutes on the Wembley clock when Kane lashed high into the Finland net from just inside the area after a lovely first‑time pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. It was Alexander-Arnold’s night, too; the weight and incision of his passing was sumptuous.

Kane did the rest. A touch with the ­outside of his right boot to cut inside ­Robert Ivanov; the hammer brought down. The ­cameras cut to Kane’s family in the stands and they would do so again before he was withdrawn to heartfelt applause.

Again, Alexander-Arnold was the architect, playing a beautiful return ball to the debutant, Noni Madueke, who had come on as a substitute. Madueke pulled back; Kane banged first time into the far corner. The captain had said on Monday that he wanted 100 England goals, which sounded like wishful thinking. It is never wise to question his targets. At the age of 31, he has 68.

The result gave the England interim manager, Lee Carsley, a ­second win in two games after the 2‑0 ­success against Republic of ­Ireland in ­Dublin on Saturday. For him, there was much to enjoy. ­Nothing more so than Kane.

It felt a little out of character to see Kane in sparkly gold boots but then again, the occasion had been built up pretty much exclusively around him. Why not adopt a few trimmings of the showman? He would collect more gold before kick-off – a special cap to commemorate his landmark, two other members of England’s 100 club, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, doing the honours. And then it was out to mine even more.

There were empty seats inside Wembley but it was still a huge crowd and they had come to see a Kane goal. He was central to virtually everything in the first half and yet the breakthrough eluded him.

Anthony Gordon had his full‑back, Adam Ståhl, for pace and when he crossed early on, Kane opted to look square for Bukayo Saka instead of going for goal. Finland got bodies in front of Saka; they would put them on the line time and again.

Kane watched a volley deflect high, he extended Lukas Hradecky with a low shot when he might have done better and he had the ball in the net with a header from Saka’s cross only to be pulled up for offside. Then there were the times when Finland’s last defender stretched to make a ­crucial clearance as Kane looked to get in behind.

Control has been Carsley’s ­watchword; the biggest thing he has wanted to see. Fluidity is another and the movements he demands were on show from the outset, most notably Alexander-Arnold up and inside from right-back. Rico Lewis, on his first start, had plenty of licence from left-back.

Alexander-Arnold was in the mood to make something happen; he even popped up on the left at times. He ­produced the moment of the first half, a delicious reverse ball that released Saka. The winger’s shot took a deflection and Hradecky had to throw up a hand to paw clear. Alexander-Arnold blasted a low shot past the far post and was wide with a free-kick.

AP

It was practically all England up to the interval and yet Finland did have their opportunities, none better than when Declan Rice was robbed by Rasmus Schüller and Topi Keskinen lashed high from the edge of the area. He ought to have played in Teemu Pukki.

Earlier, Lewis had to make a challenge to snuff out Pukki while Keskinen bent just wide, although the referee did whistle for an off‑the‑ball foul by Finland in the move.

Carsley gave a full debut to Angel Gomes and he saw plenty of the ball in a deep-lying central midfield role, moving it briskly and smartly. He also got his foot in to win it, sometimes high up. Carsley is right. Gomes is a different kind of midfield conductor, almost un-English-like.

The second half began as the first had left off; England ­pushing, Kane threatening. There was a free‑kick from him that Hradecky did well to save; then a scissors kick following a Finland defensive lapse. Same result. England had to remain patient because Rice and Gordon had gone close.

Finally, it happened, Carsley as jubilant as anyone when Kane ­showcased that lethal shooting ­technique, honed during those endless hours on the training ground. Ezri Konsa’s enforced withdrawal after he rolled his ankle was a worry but England pressed on, not wanting to settle for 1-0.

Madueke brought tricks and pene­tration; he worked ­Hradecky with a deflected effort while another substitute, Eberechi Eze, could not control another fabulous ­Alexander‑Arnold ball. The last word went to you-know-who.

- David Hytner

LIVERPOOL KEEP OR DUMP: SALAH, VAN DIJK, NÚÑEZ TO MOVE ON?

Virgil van Dijk, left, and Mohamed Salah, right, are two of the more senior players in the Liverpool squad. Could they be on their way out soon? (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

 This is a big summer at Liverpool because so much has changed. It's not just Jurgen Klopp moving on after nearly nine seasons, but also at the very top of the club, with Michael Edwards and Julian Ward returning and Richard Hughes coming in as sporting director. Edwards, previously sporting director, comes back as chief executive of football, while Julian Ward, who succeeded Edwards as sporting director, is now technical director for all of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool's owner.

It's not just a question of titles, either. Ward and Edwards were hailed as the architects of some of the club's most successful transfer campaigns, offering the yin to Klopp's yang. When they left, the power shifted to the manager, and with Klopp gone and a comparatively inexperienced Arne Slot coming in as manager, it feels as if this is partly a re-balancing.

FSG were willing to put up all or part of the club for sale not long ago, selling a minority stake to Dynasty Equity in September, and some will conclude that is a sign they want to avoid big transfers and look for value instead. That may be true, but there is definitely room to invest while staying within profit and sustainability rules (PSR) given the club has basically operated at breakeven in the past few seasons.

They might need that room, too. There is a ton of uncertainty in this squad, starting with the three players who become free agents in less than a year: Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Salah and Van Dijk -- given their service to the club -- will likely be given plenty of latitude and the power to make their own decisions. Alexander-Arnold is more intriguing, given the other two are well into their 30s. He's just 25, he has had his ups and downs, he's the local kid made good and optics matter. And yet, for him to be most effective, the system has to cater to him.

Defensive midfield is also a major question mark, and while there's plenty of depth in some roles, there's far less in others. And, of course, any decision has to be made with Slot's preferences and style of play in mind. He shares some of Klopp's outlook on football, but there are also significant differences.

Editor's note: This is the third in this year's series, Keep or Dump, over the coming weeks on which players to keep, extend and move on from for all the top clubs in the Premier League and Europe. Find the Man City version here and the Arsenal version here.

KEEP/DUMP GROUND RULES

Remember: This is our assessment of what we think the club should do, player for player, with the squad at their disposal. It's not what we think they will actually do, though sometimes the two will align. That said, we take into account what we know of the club, coaching staff and player preferences, as well as their financial situation and any other factors that we think will impact personnel moves.

Where we disagree, or where we think our rationale is worth explaining, we've noted below.

GOALKEEPERS

Alisson (31 years old, contract expires in 2027)

Verdict: Keep

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LIVERPOOL 'PAST A TEST ' AGAINST MAN CITY - JURGEN KLOPP

Getty

Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool "passed a test" in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Saturday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a second-half equaliser to cancel out Erling Haaland's 50th Premier League goal as Liverpool ended City's 23-game winning run at the Etihad Stadium.

Klopp admitted he was more happy with a point than Pep Guardiola and said his team had proved their character in an early title test.

"For us, I think it passed a test, I am not sure if it was the test," Klopp said. "In a business where nobody has time, it is really difficult to ask for it and use it.

"Last year we had a team that played long together and we got completely under the wheels here [in a 4-1 defeat] and had no chance.

"Today we had a chance. I am not silly, if you ask who was more likely to win the game it was City, obviously. We want to be ready to give them a proper game and that is what we did."

PYLON PILE-UP ENGLAND STAR TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD CHEATS DEATH IN HORTOR CAR CRASH CAUSED BY KILLER STORM BABET

FOOTIE’S Trent Alexander-Arnold avoided death by inches yesterday after a 40ft electricity pylon was uprooted in treacherous 70mph winds.

The high-voltage power line, weighing around half a ton, smashed on to a car right in front of the England ace’s £90,000 Range Rover.

Trent Alexander-Arnold avoided death by inches after a 40ft electricity pylon was uprooted in treacherous 70mph winds.

The power line, weighing around half a ton, smashed on to a car in front of the England ace’s Range Rover. He was seen getting out of the car to speak to the other driver

Alexander-Arnold slammed on the brakes and swerved before hitting the BMW X5 (pictured)

Alexander-Arnold, 25, slammed on the brakes and swerved before hitting the BMW X5.