Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid this summer after the defender announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of this season.

The England international will end his 20-year association with the Reds having claimed his second Premier League title with Liverpool this campaign, with Alexander-Arnold leaving Anfield having won virtually everything there is to win with his boyhood club.

One unusual quirk about the right-back’s free transfer to the Spanish capital, though, is the fact that Madrid end up paying Liverpool a fee to sign Alexander-Arnold, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side wanting the defender in time for this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in mid-June.

And Alexander-Arnold has now given Madrid his verdict on leaving Liverpool early in order to compete in the Club World Cup with his new team.

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According to AS, Alexander-Arnold has given Madrid the green light on joining the club early to play at the Club World Cup, with talks set to begin with Liverpool in order to release the defender from his contract with the Reds.

As per the report, Alexander-Arnold’s decision could see the right-back sign for Madrid within the first ten days of June, with the defender now set to feature for the La Liga giants at this summer’s revamped Club World Cup.

With Liverpool fans now discussing Jeremie Frimpong as a potential replacement for Alexander-Arnold, supporters seem ready for the 26-year-old defender to leave Anfield as soon as possible with the fullback now confirmed to be leaving this summer.

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And with Alexander-Arnold keen to join Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup, an agreement with Liverpool could be reached sooner rather than later, especially if the Reds can secure a small payday from the arrangement.

Alexander-Arnold running down his Liverpool contract and ensuring that the Reds receive no transfer fee for his exit has been the big sticking point surrounding the defender’s departure, with Madrid once again using their influence to sign a world-class player for nothing.

Yet with Alexander-Arnold wanting to join Madrid early, such an outcome would suit all parties, with the fullback linking up with his new team ahead of a big tournament this summer whilst Liverpool receive a small fee for the right-back’s exit.

Indeed, Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid has been in the works for some time, and the defender joining his new club as soon as possible would be beneficial for everyone with the transfer now such an open secret.