English right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is 95% set to sign for Florentino Pérez’s Real Madrid. While he isn’t particularly dominant defensively, the English full-back possesses other qualities that interest the Madrid board.
This is undoubtedly Real Madrid’s first major move for the summer transfer market, which will officially open in a few months. In the final year of his contract with Liverpool, his boyhood club, Trent Alexander-Arnold is part of the Madrid board’s plans. With Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez ageing and deserving a less demanding end to their careers, Florentino Pérez and his collaborators have set their sights on the 26-year-old England international. Also convinced that Los Blancos is the perfect next step for his career, Trent has given his agreement to join in June.
In recent hours, English and Iberian media, including Marca, have unanimously reported that the transfer is now sealed. On his YouTube channel, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed that contract details have been finalised and that the player will earn an annual salary of around €15 million, similar to most of Real Madrid’s key players, while also receiving a transfer fee close to his market value. Following this confirmation, many Madrid fans have expressed concerns about Arnold’s defensive shortcomings.
The qualities that convinced Florentino Pérez
While compilations of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive lapses are circulating online—implying the club is making a mistake—sources within Real Madrid have explained why this transfer is not an error. According to reports, Florentino Pérez has targeted the English player for his offensive qualities. Desperate to find a successor to Toni Kroos for set pieces, and particularly to add a genuine free-kick threat, the Madrid president has done everything to secure the England international.
If Trent Alexander-Arnold is well-known today, it’s thanks to his exceptional set-piece ability. On free kicks, the Liverpool native is a major threat to opponents. By signing him, Real Madrid aims to turn set pieces into a true attacking weapon. Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, this has been a weak point for the team.
Defensive concerns will be addressed
One thing is clear: the Madrid board is not worried about Arnold’s defensive shortcomings. With determination and hard work alongside the coaching staff, the future Madridista is expected to improve defensively and become a more complete right-back. It’s important to note that Real Madrid considers all aspects before making signings in the transfer market.
For his first season at the club, Trent Alexander-Arnold will have Dani Carvajal as a backup. Recovering from a knee injury, the Spanish veteran will return to complete his final contract year with Madrid.
During this period, Arnold will be able to adapt gradually and work on his defensive weaknesses. One thing is certain: the Madrid board wants to reassure the fans. As with players like Arda Güler, there is a clear plan for every signing. We will cross our fingers and wait to see Trent’s first steps in a Madrid shirt—if the transfer is finalised and officially announced in the coming months.
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