It already happened with Luka Modric, who was photographed with Barça's jersey before signing for Real Madrid. Florentino Pérez doesn't hesitate when he has to negotiate with a culé.
This is what has happened with Alexander-Arnold, who has already controversially bid farewell to Liverpool. Now he is preparing to play with Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.
Alexander Arnold has never hidden his sympathies for Barça throughout his 20 years as a Liverpool player. But the Real Madrid train came along, and he got on it.
"He Has Seen the White Light"
The white president cares little about what his new signing thought or said in the past. The important thing is that he has seen the light and is now a Real Madrid player.
Florentino Pérez has no qualms when it comes to strengthening Real Madrid, and even less so if he can strike Barça where it hurts the most. This time he has closed the signing of a player who, until recently, did not hide his Barcelonism.
The footballer has confessed in several interviews that he was "a lifelong Barça fan." But that has not been an impediment to accepting the call from the White House.
The new reinforcement arrives as part of the club's rejuvenation and talent project, which continues to bet strongly on the future. Barça had been alert to his progression, but did not make concrete moves, allowing Madrid to get ahead.
Florentino has shown once again his ability to convince and snatch targets that excited the culé fans.
The Controversial Interview of Alexander-Arnold
This signing is reminiscent of other masterstrokes, like the recent cases of Güler or Take Kubo, both also tempted by Barça in their day. Florentino's message is clear: at Real Madrid, there is no room for sentimentality, only for the best.
Alexander Arnold gave an interview to GQ magazine in 2021. In it, he openly showed his clear sympathy for Barça:
"My favorite team is Barça. I think they have the same kind of values and method as Liverpool. They bring up many players from the youth academy.
I grew up watching Messi, that special Barcelona team. Iniesta, Xavi..."
Stage overcome for the new Real Madrid player.