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Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks during his unveiling as new player of Real Madrid at Valdebebas training ground on June 12, 2025 in Madrid, Spain(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Trent Alexander-Arnold has insisted Jude Bellingham did not play a big part in his decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid.

And with Real Madrid competing in this summer’s inaugural revamped FIFA Club World Cup, the La Liga outfit paid for the Reds to release the defender early from his contract in order to compete in the tournament in the United States.

Alexander-Arnold is well-documented to be close-friends with Real Madrid superstar Bellingham.



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But he has dismissed the notion that his England team-mate played a decisive role in his decision to trade Anfield for the Bernabeu.

“Yeah, we spoke [about Real Madrid],” he said.

“I mean it wasn't exactly, I guess, what people think it was.

But we spoke.

“We spoke a lot about Liverpool, we spoke a lot about Madrid.

At the national team, he’s the only player who knew what it’s like to be at Real Madrid so everyone was asking him questions.

“I think a lot of people think he played a huge part in me coming here but to be honest, the club speaks for itself.

“It was a huge opportunity for me, it felt like it was the right time for me as well.

It was a chance for me to go and do that.”

Alexander-Arnold set tongues wagging when being unveiled as a Real Madrid player as it was revealed he would now go by just ‘Trent’ on the back of his shirt and he gave his welcome message in fluent Spanish.

The 26-year-old - who will wear the number 12 jersey - revealed he had been learning the language for a number of months ahead of his move to Madrid before explaining the name-change on the back of his shirt.

“(I’ve been practising for) a few months, a few months.