Updated 12:49 30 May 2025 GMT+1Published 12:38 30 May 2025 GMT+1

Xabi Alonso makes bold Real Madrid decision that could have a huge impact on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Real Madrid will have Trent Alexander-Arnold in their squad for the Club World Cup.

Nasir Jabbar

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Football

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar

Xabi Alonso has made a bold decision just days after becoming Real Madrid's new manager and it could have a huge impact on Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Real have struck a deal with Liverpool to sign Alexander-Arnold before his existing deal expires.

They will pay a fee to the Premier League champions, which allows him to play for his new team at next month's Club World Cup.

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The Spanish giants begin their Club World Cup campaign on June 18 when they face Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal before meeting Mexican outfit Pachuca on June 22. Alonso's team end the group stage phase with a fixture against RB Leipzig on June 27.

So, Alexander-Arnold is in line to make his Real debut on June 18.

But his position in the team doesn't appear to be locked based on the decision Alonso has made ahead of the competition getting underway.

According to Marca, Alonso is set to call up Jesus Fortea, who is an 18-year-old right-back.

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Jesus Fortea in action for Real Madrid at youth level. Image: Getty

Fortea is viewed as a potential long-term option in defence despite Real signing Alexander-Arnold.

The England international's position in the starting XI is seemingly already under threat, with Alonso also set to have Dani Carvajal at his disposal.

Carvajal is eyeing a return to action, having been sidelined since last October.

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Dani Carvajal is set to return to action for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup. Image: Getty

But one thing's for sure, Alexander-Arnold will get a run out at the Club World Cup following Real's deal with Liverpool.

In a statement, the 15-time European cup winners said: "Real Madrid C.F. and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement that will tie Trent Alexander-Arnold to our club for the next six seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2031.

"The 26-year-old English international joins our team after winning nine titles with Liverpool: one Champions League title, one Club World Cup, one European Super Cup, two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, and one FA Super Cup.

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"Alexander-Arnold will play with Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States starting June 14."

Xabi Alonso makes bold Real Madrid decision that could have a huge impact on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Real Madrid will have Trent Alexander-Arnold in their squad for the Club World Cup.

Xabi Alonso makes bold Real Madrid decision that could have a huge impact on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Real Madrid will have Trent Alexander-Arnold in their squad for the Club World Cup.

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