‘Liverpool have got lucky’ as new Alexander-Arnold details emerge
Trent-Alexander Arnold’s high-profile move from Liverpool to Real Madrid was finally confirmed last week (30 May) after months of speculation.
It has been widely reported that the Reds have accepted a bid of €10million (£8.4million) to allow Alexander-Arnold, 26, to join Real with a month to run on his contract.
The Spanish giants will also cover the right-back’s wages for the month of June.
Alexander-Arnold is now free to play in this summer’s Club World Cup from the beginning of the tournament – with Real Madrid playing their first fixture against Al-Hilal on 18 June.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed Liverpool “were lucky” to bank such a big fee for the England international.
Wyness lifts lid on Liverpool’s negotiations with Real Madrid
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness suggested Liverpool were fortunate that Alexander-Arnold’s exit coincided with the money-spinning Club World Cup.
The winner of the new-look tournament will bank £97million from Fifa.
Alexander-Arnold has signed a six-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and has a release clause of around £210million.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I thought back to my own situation with Tommy Gravesen at Everton.
“I remember that negotiation, with him having only six months left on his contract.
“My position was showing what I could earn if we kept Tommy at the club. It could be European football, etc. He has a certain percentage of contribution to that.
“In the end, they paid £2.5million.
“Real Madrid have looked at the Club World Cup and they would have wanted him available for it.
“His inclusion in the squad will give them a percentage contribution to going far in that competition.
“It’s also a chance to assimilate him into the Real Madrid squad earlier than usual. It’s significant prize money available at this tournament.
“That’s why Liverpool were lucky, because this happens to be the year where these riches are on offer in the US with the Club World Cup.
“£8.4million is a big number, but Real Madrid and Liverpool have obviously decided that is the value of taking him early.”
Elliott could seal Europe move this summer
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (4 June) that Harvey Elliott is most likely to join a Serie A club if he leaves Liverpool this summer.
The midfielder rejected a potential move to Nottingham Forest last week, but sources suggest there is a growing likelihood he will exit Anfield over the coming months.
Liverpool’s coaches believe the 22-year-old lacks the intensity off the ball required to fit into their playing style on a regular basis and be a nailed-on starter.
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