Liverpool can still make millions from TAA exit due to FIFA rule change

Liverpool are expected to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid in the summer, but new rules introduced by FIFA in 2024 could help earn the Reds a tidy bonus

Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold could yet fetch a seven-figure fee when he leaves Liverpool, it has been claimed. The right-back is out of contract in the summer, allowing him to leave on a free at the end of June, but the Spanish giants could stump up a tidy sum to bring the deal forward.

Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms over a Real Madrid switch after lengthy negotiations, according to reports over the continent. He would not be able to play for his new club before the end of the season, but the Club World Cup is a different matter altogether.

Back in October, FIFA altered its transfer rules to account for the summer tournament in the United States. The changes allowed Club World Cup participants to agree to an 'exceptional' transfer window for the tournament, allowing players to join competing clubs in time for the tournament.

Those rules would also allow out-of-contract players to join before June 30, though it remains to be seen whether Liverpool would free up Alexander-Arnold to leave for nothing before then. They already rejected a bid in January, thought to be worth around £20million.

Now, The Sun reports Madrid will need to part with around £5m to pick up the 26-year-old in early June. The defender, who is currently sidelined with an injury sustained in the Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain, is due to play his final Liverpool game on May 25 against Crystal Palace.

Alexander-Arnold isn't the only player who could exit his contract ahead of time. Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is being targeted by Club World Cup participants Flamengo, who are in Chelsea's group in the competition.

Jorginho jetted out for further talks during the break, but it has been claimed that a sticking point is a loyalty bonus. The Italy international would be at risk of forfeiting that bonus if he leaves before June 30, and further talks are expected with Arsenal's incoming new sporting director.

Real Madrid qualified for the Club World Cup thanks to their Champions League triumph in 2022. They will begin their campaign on June 18 against Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, with their group also including Mexican side Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian Bundesliga.

If they win their group, Los Blancos will play their round of 16 fixture on July 1, while the final will take place on July 13 in New Jersey. The Premier League has two representatives in the tournament, with Chelsea and Manchester City qualifying by virtue of their own Champions League wins in 2021 and 2023 respectively.

One of Chelsea's initial group stage opponents, Club Leon, have been pulled out of the tournament due to multi-club ownership considerations. The new fourth team in their group - which also includes Flamengo and Esperance - has not been determined at the time of writing.