How Real Madrid could line up with THREE England stars next season including Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool exit
REAL MADRID could include an English backbone in their starting XI next season. Los Blancos look set to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer after the Liverpool star announced he is leaving his boyhood club at the end of the season. GettyJude Bellingham could be getting two more English team-mates this summer[/caption] GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold looks set for a move to Real Madrid after announcing his Liverpool exit[/caption] GettyLos Blancos are reportedly tracking Crystal Palace playmaker Adam Wharton too[/caption] While Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also reportedly being tracked by the La Liga super club. Three Lions star Jude Bellingham has already established himself as a regular at the Bernabeu. The former Birmingham youngster made the switch to Spain from Dortmund for £115million in July 2023. He has since gone on to become an England standout and one of Real Madrid’s star players. Now Bellingham could be joined in the Spanish capital by two familiar faces over the summer. Good pal Alexander-Arnold, 26, was the subject of interest from Madrid in the January transfer window and is now thought to be on the verge of a six-year deal with the club worth £240,000-per-week. The full-back announced in an emotional video that he is leaving Liverpool on the expiration of his deal at the end of the season. And while a move to Madrid hasn’t been officially announced, Alexander-Arnold hinted at his future during his announcement video. Trent Alexander-Arnold's emotional goodbye Here's a look at Alexander-Arnold's goodbye statement in full... After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season. This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life. I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20. This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years. From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all. But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally. I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here. From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years. I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all. My love for this club will never die. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS He said: “I think the decision for me is personal. To change my environment, to challenge myself elsewhere. “It’s not about wanting to find something better, it’s about me and my personal journey as a player and I feel like now is the best time for me to go and experience that. “People won’t be happy with the decision, but it’s something I feel that I need to do with my career”. Liverpool already have a ready-made replacement in Conor Bradley, with the youngster set for a mega 650 per cent pay rise at Anfield. Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton is also being “closely monitored” by Madrid scouts. The 21-year-old recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery. He has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22m in January 2024. Madrid chief scout Juni Calafat is also said to be a big fan of the midfielder. Wharton even made a break into the England setup last season, being called up for the Euro 2024 tournament. Madrid veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer. Central midfielder Wharton and full-back Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill in replacing those departing stars. But a Three Lions reunion in Madrid would not come cheap. Wharton is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool. He would cost in the region of £70m, according to ESPN. Should the pair end up in Spain, Madrid’s potential XI next season could feature a strong backbone of English players. In our predicted line-up, ex-Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois starts between the sticks. Alexander-Arnold slots in at right back, alongside fellow defenders Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy. In midfield, Wharton could partner Bellingham
REAL MADRID could include an English backbone in their starting XI next season.
Los Blancos look set to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer after the Liverpool star announced he is leaving his boyhood club at the end of the season.
While Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also reportedly being tracked by the La Liga super club.
Three Lions star Jude Bellingham has already established himself as a regular at the Bernabeu.
The former Birmingham youngster made the switch to Spain from Dortmund for £115million in July 2023.
He has since gone on to become an England standout and one of Real Madrid’s star players.
Now Bellingham could be joined in the Spanish capital by two familiar faces over the summer.
Good pal Alexander-Arnold, 26, was the subject of interest from Madrid in the January transfer window and is now thought to be on the verge of a six-year deal with the club worth £240,000-per-week.
The full-back announced in an emotional video that he is leaving Liverpool on the expiration of his deal at the end of the season.
And while a move to Madrid hasn’t been officially announced, Alexander-Arnold hinted at his future during his announcement video.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's emotional goodbye
Here's a look at Alexander-Arnold's goodbye statement in full...
After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.
This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.
I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.
This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years. From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.
But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.
I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.
I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all. My love for this club will never die.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
He said: “I think the decision for me is personal. To change my environment, to challenge myself elsewhere.
“It’s not about wanting to find something better, it’s about me and my personal journey as a player and I feel like now is the best time for me to go and experience that.
“People won’t be happy with the decision, but it’s something I feel that I need to do with my career”.
Liverpool already have a ready-made replacement in Conor Bradley, with the youngster set for a mega 650 per cent pay rise at Anfield.
Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton is also being “closely monitored” by Madrid scouts.
The 21-year-old recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.
He has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22m in January 2024.
Madrid chief scout Juni Calafat is also said to be a big fan of the midfielder.
Wharton even made a break into the England setup last season, being called up for the Euro 2024 tournament.
Madrid veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.
Central midfielder Wharton and full-back Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill in replacing those departing stars.
But a Three Lions reunion in Madrid would not come cheap.
Wharton is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool.
He would cost in the region of £70m, according to ESPN.
Should the pair end up in Spain, Madrid’s potential XI next season could feature a strong backbone of English players.
In our predicted line-up, ex-Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois starts between the sticks.
Alexander-Arnold slots in at right back, alongside fellow defenders Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy.
In midfield, Wharton could partner Bellingham and Federico Valverde.
While upfront, the feared trio of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo would spearhead the attack.
What happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.
So had did those who came before him get on?
LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)
Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.
As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.
The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.
Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.
Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.
Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.
The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.
STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)
Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.
A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.
The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.
McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.
He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.
After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.
Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.
DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)
In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.
Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.
Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.
Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.
He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.
Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.
MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)
Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.
But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.
Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.
Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.
Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.
In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.
Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.
JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)
Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.
The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.
Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.
Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.
After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.
Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.
He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.
Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.
JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)
England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.
The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.
Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.
The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.
Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.
And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.
