3 days ago
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid this summer, talkSPORT understands.
The Liverpool star will leave Anfield after agreeing personal terms over a long-term deal with the Spanish giants in a seismic blow to Arne Slot's side.
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The England international has been in discussions with Real since January.
Real are believed to have kept Liverpool informed throughout the process.
Alexander-Arnold is out of contract this summer - a situation that means that the defender is able to move on a free transfer.
Despite months of negotiations, the 26-year-old has opted to move to Madrid where he'll be playing his football from next term.
For supporters, the news will come as a huge disappointment to lose someone who has been a cornerstone of their team during one of the most successful periods in recent history.
As well as being a boyhood Liverpool fan, Alexander-Arnold is regarded as one of the top right-backs in world football.
He helped them win the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp's much revered reign.
In addition to losing a quality player to a European rival, the fact that he's leaving for free will rub extra salt in the wounds.
Real Madrid have been prioritising a move for a right-back this summer.
With Dani Carvajal suffering a serious ACL injury, Carlo Ancelotti's side have been short of quality in that area.
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Lucas Vazquez has regularly featured there but at 33 years of age and with a contract that expires this summer, it's likely that he'll be allowed to move on at the end of the season.
Fede Valverde has also slotted into the role this term, however a move for Alexander-Arnold would allow him to occupy his preferred midfield role as the Spanish giants look to the future.
Of course Alexander-Arnold's move to Madrid would see him reunited with close friend and England teammate, Jude Bellingham.
But a move away from Liverpool will undoubtedly be a decision that was not taken lightly.
Alexander-Arnold has been at Liverpool for 20 years, having first joined the club's academy in 2004 aged six.
He has gone on to make a total of 349 appearances for the Reds since breaking into the first-team under Jurgen Klopp.
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In those matches, Alexander-Arnold has scored 22 goals and added 87 assists from right-back.
Meanwhile, he has also won eight trophies including the Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League.
The 26-year-old will now be hoping to add another Premier League title to his name with Arne Slot's side running away in the title race.
Having been forced off with an ankle injury during the clash with Paris Saint-Germain, it's unclear when Alexander-Arnold will return to action.
It is expected that he will return before the end of the season where he'll be keen to say farewell to the Kop at Anfield.
Whether he'll be given a fond farewell, however, remains to be seen.
