Why Trent Alexander Arnold Turned Down A Record Liverpool Offer To Leave

The right-back posted a video on all of his social media platforms revealing his decision to leave the club this summer. Liverpool also announced the player's decision, along with an interview explaining why he is leaving. The club mentioned his success at the club, winning eight major trophies, including two Premier League titles and one Champions League.

Alexander-Arnold has been at the club for 20 years, since he was six years old at the Liverpool academy. He mentioned the decision is towards his personal career goals and acknowledges the anger some fans have expressed because of his decision. 

Despite his explanation that he wanted to pursue a new challenge for his career, which would be playing for Real Madrid, there are new details that paint the full picture of Alexander-Arnold's desire to leave the club this summer.

Money Was Not A Factor

According to Relevo, Liverpool made final attempts to renew the contract of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Athletic reports that Liverpool wanted to offer him a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid players in the world and the highest-paid full-back in the Premier League. 

Fabrizio Romano also reports that there was interest from other clubs for Alexander-Arnold this summer, since the player's contract was expiring this June. The player only wanted to join Real Madrid, and it was a dream move for him to join Los Blancos, according to Sky Sports. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be on a very high salary at Real Madrid and will be following the Spanish club's salary structure. Real Madrid pushed for Alexander-Arnold after deciding to sign him over Alphonso Davies, who the club was also interested in signing on a free transfer this summer.

Jude Bellingham was also a factor, as he would reportedly talk with Alexander-Arnold about how life is in Madrid, both the club and the city. The two share a great friendship and would ease Alexander-Arnold's transition into a new environment. 

When will Trent Alexander-Arnold play for Real Madrid?

The right-back could play for Real Madrid sooner than expected. Romano reports that Real Madrid is 'confident' that Alexander-Arnold will play for them at the FIFA Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold's contract with Liverpool expires on June 30th, which is during the FIFA Club World Cup.

The FIFA Club World Cup starts on June 14, and since the Reds have not released the player early, Liverpool could still receive a transfer fee for Alexander-Arnold if Madrid decides to have him for the summer tournament. Ben Jacobs reports Real Madrid will offer more than $660K, but the Reds would ask for higher compensation. 

Real Madrid are in Group H with Al Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg. Los Blancos are looking to win the competition, and they could potentially be under a new manager, with Carlo Ancelotti set to part ways with the club very soon.