Real Madrid want to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for him to play in the Club World Cup this summer – despite the fact his Liverpool contract does not expire until 15 days after the tournament has started.
The right-back is contracted with Liverpool until the end of June, when he will become a free agent.
Real Madrid’s opening game is against Al Hilal, who have a strong interest in signing Mohamed Salah if he leaves Liverpool, on June 18 in Miami.
FIFA is also allowing national associations of Club World Cup participating clubs to open a special transfer window between June 1-10 to sign and register players.
Clubs can also add a maximum of two players to their squad during an in-tournament window between June 27 and July 3.
“If they want him to play in the group stage of the Club World Cup, they are going to have to negotiate with Liverpool and come to some arrangement for him to be released early from his contract,” said Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
Potential key dates for Trent Alexander-Arnold
“They could say ‘we’re going to wait until July, we don’t need him for the group stage’.
“But Alexander-Arnold hasn’t told Liverpool he wants to leave, Real Madrid haven’t told Liverpool they have come to an agreement to sign him when his contract runs out.”
Liverpool’s final game of the season is against Crystal Palace on May 25.
Alexander-Arnold could also feature for England against Andorra on June 7 and Senegal on June 10.
Will Ronaldo be at the Club World Cup?
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With Al Nassr having failed to qualify, could Cristiano Ronaldo make a shock summer move to ensure he plays at the FIFA Club World Cup?
A big question also remains as to whether Cristiano Ronaldo will sign a short-term contract to play in the tournament.
At 40, he is unlikely to be able to play in the next tournament in 2029. He is out of contract with Al Nassr this summer – and they have not qualified to take part this year.
His great rival Lionel Messi is set to play after Inter Miami were given a slot by FIFA.
What is the Club World Cup?
Before its revamp for the 2025 tournament, the Club World Cup took place every year in December and was contested by the winners of continental club competitions from around the world.
For example, the winners of the Champions League would take part in the tournament every year and face off against continental counterparts from South America (CONMEBOL), Asia (AFC), Africa (CAF), North America (CONCACAF) and Oceania (OFC).
But then FIFA announced that the competition would be expanded to 32 club teams and would take place every four years. The next Club World Cup will take place over 29 days in the summer of 2025 across 12 stadiums in USA.
To replace the annual competition, an Intercontinental Cup will be played annually and have the Champions League winner playing in the final against a team that comes through intercontinental play-offs.
