Turns out Liverpool will receive some form of financial pump from Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold after all. Los Blancos will pay the Reds €10m.
In the least shocking news of the century so far, Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed for Real Madrid. Fans knew he was leaving Liverpool already, this was announced and he was given a hero's send off (as he should). However, his next club was never confirmed until now.
In truth, there was never any club who would come close to Real Madrid. The only club who would come close, ironically, was Liverpool, but he already announced his departure before the season ended.
So, Real Madrid announcing Trent Alexander-Arnold as a new player comes as no surprise whatsoever. However, what is surprising is that he isn't technically a free agent.
Liverpool quietly being paid by Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will be paid a €10m fee by Real Madrid, so that Trent Alexander-Arnold can be a Real Madrid player for the Club World Cup. Further, Real will cover Trent's salary for June and July, saving Liverpool some extra unnecessary outgoings.
Makes sense, to be honest. Real Madrid could do with showcasing a few new names at the international tournament this summer, and it gives Trent the whole summer to embed himself into the culture under Xabi Alonso.
From Liverpool's perspective, our work with Trent Alexander-Arnold is done. He won the Premier League in his final season, rather fittingly, but if he wants Real, who is the club to stand in the way? I mean, it's not like the club has given him everything, of course...
Anyway, once a Red, always a Red and all that malarkey.
Liverpool cannot be too bitter, he came to Liverpool for free, and is leaving for €10m. That, no matter which way you look at it, is €10m profit on a player who won everything there is to win at club level for Liverpool. His place in the Anfield hall of fame is secure.
Doesn't make it any less bittersweet, though.