Despite his Liverpool contract set to expire at the end of June, Real Madrid opted to pay £10 million to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold early, ensuring he’s eligible for the newly formatted Club World Cup beginning this Sunday.
Two weeks after the deal was confirmed, Alexander-Arnold will be formally presented as a Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabéu on Thursday.
Upon his arrival, a crowd of Real Madrid fans gathered to welcome him, debuting a new chant in his honor. However, Liverpool supporters online were quick to react — and not positively. They suggested the chant and Alexander-Arnold’s expression hinted he may already be second-guessing his move.
While outside a medical facility in Madrid, the 26-year-old was met by fans chanting “Arnold!” and clapping for him.
The video surfaced just after it was announced he’d be switching from his iconic No. 66 to No. 12 due to La Liga rules, which only allow shirt numbers from 1 to 25. He also made the personal decision to display his first name, “Trent,” on the back of his shirt instead of his surname — a notable departure from his Liverpool days.
Liverpool fans mocked the fact that Madrid supporters continued to chant “Arnold,” seemingly ignoring his new branding.
One fan posted on X with a laughing emoji: “Shouting ‘Arnold!’ after he’s just rebranded everything to ‘Trent’.”
Another commented: “‘Arnold’ chants — yeah, he’s definitely regretting everything already.”
A third added: “He used to have so much Aura, wtf happened.”
Alexander-Arnold is Real Madrid’s second new signing this summer, following the unveiling of former Bournemouth player Dean Huijsen as Xabi Alonso’s first addition on June 10.
Although his exact debut date is unknown, it’s expected Alexander-Arnold could play as soon as June 18, when Madrid face Al Hilal in their Club World Cup opener
