Real Madrid hands huge joining bonus to their new Bosman transfer Trent Alexander Arnold

According to various sports outlets, Real Madrid have paid their new Bosman transfer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, a substantial joining bonus. The Liverpool player, whose contract is set to expire this summer, is set to join the club on a free transfer. To accommodate the move, the Santiago Bernabéu outfit has gone above and beyond as part of their compensation strategy. The club is reported to have paid around £17 million to secure his signature.

According to MARCA, Alexander-Arnold will be entitled to a signing-on bonus worth a tidy €20m (£17m).

Trent Alexander-Arnold rose through the ranks at Liverpool, going on to win multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League under Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot. Making his debut as a teenager in the 2016/17 season, he established himself as the club’s first-choice right-back. His departure will leave a significant void for the Anfield outfit to fill.

This is not the first time Real Madrid have attempted to sign the English full-back. After several unsuccessful approaches in January, the club opted to pursue him on a free transfer. They have now successfully secured an alternative to the aging Lucas Vázquez at the right-back position.

What did Trent Alexander Arnold have to say about his transfer?

To announce his departure from England, Trent Alexander-Arnold released a video on X, where he spoke about his decision and the reasons behind it. He stated that his move is driven by a desire to challenge himself elsewhere in Europe and to continue his professional growth.

After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, I’ll be leaving at the end of the season.I think the decision for me is personal, to change environment, to challenge myself elsewhere.

Trent Alexander-Arnold also acknowledged that some fans might not be happy with the decision he made. Known more for his playmaking abilities than traditional defending, the right-back addressed supporters directly, assuring them that his love for the club remains unchanged. He added that he would return to Anfield whenever possible to watch games and support the team, vowing to remain a Liverpool fan for life. He said:

I’ll be back any chance I get, I’ll come watch games; I’ll be supporting; I’ll be wanting the club to win and wanting the club to be successful, there’s nothing changing in that. I will always remain a Liverpool fan