The impact of Alexander-Arnold's shocking move from Liverpool to Real Madrid | OneFootball

The Premier League title celebrations just got a little bittersweet for Liverpool, as Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed his intention to leave the Reds to sign for Real Madrid after the end of the current season. The Englishman rejected a million-dollar contract to remain with the reigning English champions and opted to join a team in crisis under Carlo Ancelotti.

It's worth remembering that there has been speculation for months that Alexander-Arnold was negotiating with Real Madrid in the last transfer window, but the Spanish club chose not to go ahead with the signing until his current contract expired. In other words, they secured another free signing in their history, without having to pay millions of euros.

Liverpool will need more attention in the transfer market

Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League | Robin Jones/GettyImages

The full-back was directly responsible for structuring the defensive system under Jurgen Klopp and has continued his high-level activities this season alongside Arne Slot. Alexander-Arnold arrived at Liverpool at the age of six and took over as vice-captain in 2023. In all, he made 349 appearances and won seven trophies.

Alexander-Arnold's departure creates a considerable need for Liverpool to go into the transfer market and look for a new full-back who has the same characteristics of positioning without the ball, combativeness and efficiency in marking that Alexander-Arnold demonstrated. It won't be an easy mission to replace an excellent and reliable player.

Real Madrid gains an extraordinary addition to its starting line-up

Real Madrid v Celta de Vigo - LaLiga EA Sports | Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Meanwhile, Real Madrid can only celebrate this impact signing, which will be key to strengthening their defensive system, one of the biggest problems in an unstable 2024/25 season, largely due to injuries to key players in the sector. Carlo Ancelotti has had to resort to home-grown solutions to deal with the shortcomings since the beginning of January.

Finally, the new Real Madrid coach (assuming Ancelotti leaves) will need to rethink his starting line-up and find a solution to fit Alexander-Arnold alongside Mbappe, Vini, and Rodrygo, probably having to make a concession in midfield.