Trent Alexander-Arnold, the right-back for Liverpool, has reportedly finalized an agreement to join Real Madrid once his contract ends this summer.

Real Madrid has been pursuing Alexander-Arnold for over a year, anticipating his availability as a free agent, and have always been optimistic about securing the 26-year-old English player.

Recently, reports indicated that Alexander-Arnold declined another extension offer from Liverpool. Now, according to Sky Sport Switzerland, a deal for his transfer to Madrid has been concluded.

A five-year contract has been agreed between Madrid and Alexander-Arnold’s representatives, with the right-back set to pocket a significant signing-on sum comparable to a “reasonable transfer fee” as well as a hefty pay rise.

Liverpool were aware that Alexander-Arnold was advancing in negotiations with Madrid and made several efforts to convince the right-back to stay, but have now accepted defeat.

Instead, Liverpool will now turn their attention to finding a replacement for Alexander-Arnold. Manager Arne Slot was recently reported to be speaking with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong over a summer switch to Anfield.

However, Liverpool’s priority remains signing a new striker, while a new centre-back is also high on the agenda. A right-back is only expected to be signed once those two positions are addressed.

If Liverpool do not sign a replacement, academy graduate Conor Bradley appears set for a promotion to the starting lineup.