Trent Alexander-Arnold Set for Real Madrid Move
Reports indicate that Trent Alexander-Arnold, the talented Liverpool defender, has reached an agreement for a transfer to Real Madrid this summer. Off the pitch, Alexander-Arnold has achieved a remarkable feat, earning £8.5 million through various sponsorship and image rights deals. His sports firm, All Star Sports Ltd, boasts assets totaling £8,577,321, showcasing his financial acumen at just 26 years old.
Currently, Alexander-Arnold holds £2,417,770 in cash and has prudently invested £2,503,550 into listed investments and bonds. He established his image rights firm at the young age of 18, and recent annual accounts reveal an increase of £1.9 million in assets. This impressive figure comes in addition to his £180,000-a-week salary from Liverpool, alongside lucrative contracts with brands like Adidas and Calvin Klein.
Intensifying speculation surrounds Alexander-Arnold’s impending move to Real Madrid, reportedly on a five-year contract that offers an enticing £240,000 per week. This new arrangement would elevate his annual earnings to approximately £13 million, which is a substantial increase from his current Liverpool salary. Furthermore, as he will become a free agent when his contract expires in June, he is expected to receive a significant signing-on bonus and performance-related bonuses that could further enhance his financial package.
Having already won every available trophy with his boyhood club, Alexander-Arnold is poised to secure his second Premier League title with Liverpool. This season, he has demonstrated his capabilities on the field, amassing three goals and seven assists across 39 appearances.
The Legacy of Englishmen at Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s anticipated move to Real Madrid this summer will place him among a select group of English players who have donned the iconic white jersey. Let’s explore how previous English talents fared during their time in Spain.
LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)
Real Madrid made headlines in 1979 by investing £950,000 to bring Cunningham from West Bromwich Albion. As part of the famed “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham made an immediate impact in Spain, netting twice on his debut. He played a crucial role in securing the LaLiga title in 1980 and participated in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year. After a brief loan to Manchester United, he moved to Marseille in 1984. Subsequently, after stints with Leicester, Charleroi, and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988. Tragically, he lost his life in a car accident in 1989 at the young age of 33.
STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)
In 1999, McManaman made a similar transition from Liverpool to Real Madrid. The talented winger quickly became a fan favorite, captivating the Bernabeu crowd with his charismatic style and skill. Over four years, McManaman helped the club secure six trophies, including a memorable goal in the 2000 Champions League final. He departed Madrid in 2003 for Manchester City, and after retiring, he transitioned into a successful career as a sports pundit.
DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)
In 2003, Real Madrid welcomed David Beckham from Manchester United, adding the superstar to their already star-studded lineup. Known as “Golden Balls,” Beckham became a beloved figure in Spain due to his professionalism and dedication. Despite the team’s star power, the elusive La Decima (tenth Champions League title) evaded them during his tenure. Nonetheless, Beckham did secure a LaLiga title in 2007 before moving to LA Galaxy. Since retiring, he has maintained various endorsement deals and is now the owner of MLS club Inter Miami, playing a pivotal role in their acquisition of Lionel Messi in 2023.
MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)
Owen’s transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid saw him follow in McManaman’s footsteps. However, his time in Madrid was less successful, as he struggled to find playing time behind stars like Ronaldo and Raul. After just one season, he was sold to Newcastle United. Following a stint with Manchester United and a final year at Stoke City, Owen shifted to punditry and has since diversified into various ventures, including a clothing line.
JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)
Woodgate’s move from Newcastle to Real Madrid in 2004 was marked by unfortunate circumstances. After enduring a lengthy injury layoff, his debut became infamous as he scored an own goal and received a red card shortly thereafter. He eventually transitioned to Middlesbrough and later Tottenham, where he enjoyed success, including winning the League Cup. After retiring in 2016, Woodgate has taken on coaching roles, returning to Middlesbrough as a first team coach in 2022.
JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)
In a high-profile transfer, Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for £115 million in the summer of 2023. His debut was nothing short of spectacular, scoring in his first match and continuing to impress by netting five goals in his initial four LaLiga games. As a young talent already boasting LaLiga and Champions League titles, Bellingham is set to thrive alongside Alexander-Arnold, with both players poised to add more silverware to their accolades.