Real Madrid-bound Alexander-Arnold turned down Liverpool’s offer to make him one of the highest-paid full-backs | OneFootball

According to a report from The Athletic, Trent Alexander-Arnold has turned down a massive contract offer from Liverpool that would have made him the highest-paid full-back in Premier League history and one of the most well-compensated defenders in world football.

This is because despite the lucrative nature of the deal, the England international’s mind was already made up. His heart was set on a move to Spain, specifically to Real Madrid.

In fact, Alexander-Arnold’s intention to leave had been known to Liverpool for some time. Back in March, his representatives officially informed Liverpool’s sporting director that he would not be renewing his contract.

While he has not yet publicly confirmed his next club, it is widely accepted that he will be wearing the white of Real Madrid next season.

Liverpool tried, but it was too late

The Merseyside club, desperate to hold on to one of their academy’s most successful graduates, pulled out all the stops in an attempt to change his mind.

New offers were tabled by Liverpool, reportedly aiming to reassure Alexander-Arnold about the club’s long-term vision. Financially, the package on offer would have dwarfed any current full-back salary in the Premier League.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to move to Real Madrid. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

But by the time Liverpool intensified their efforts, it was already too late. The allure of the Santiago Bernabeu had already won him over.

Madrid calling

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s interest was not sudden. They have been keeping a close eye on Alexander-Arnold for months, if not years. And the defender had been quietly warming to the idea of making the leap to La Liga.

The move, although still in negotiations related to his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, is set to be formalised soon, and while Alexander-Arnold’s status as a free agent means a significant signing-on fee is expected, insiders insist that money was never the driving force behind his decision.

Had it been, he could have listened to offers from across Europe or even remained in the Premier League on better terms.

Instead, the pull of Madrid proved irresistible. A new challenge, a bigger stage, and the chance to write his name alongside the club’s long list of legends was enough to make up his mind.