Last summer they spent their holidays together in the United States. Last summer Jude Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold, close friends, agreed to the latter's arrival at Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold's contract with Liverpool terminates on June 30. He hasn't reached an agreement with the club to renew it and has decided to end his time at the club on June 30. There is no turning back.
Last-Minute Change of Course
Everyone was assuming that he would arrive at Real Madrid for free next summer; he wasn't going to arrive alone. Bayern left-back Alphonso Davies is in the same situation.
However, there was a change of plans at the last minute. Alexander-Arnold is now closer to FC Barcelona than Real Madrid.
Jude Bellingham couldn't be more upset. He had already made up his mind to add a good friend to the Madrid team next season. However, the latest news regarding Alexander-Arnold's future has turned sour for Real Madrid with the appearance of Barça on the scene.
Barça has stepped in to create a mess and, apparently, has improved the offer that Real Madrid had prepared for him.
How is Barça Going to Pay Alexander-Arnold?
The news comes from England, although what arguments Barça used to convince the player is not clear. The news is especially confusing considering he had already been convinced to sign for Real Madrid.
Barça, at least officially, has no money: Its management has a deficit and it doesn't comply with the rules of financial fair play.
Furthermore, their wage bill is at forbidden levels. They aren't able to register the players they sign, as is the case with Dani Olmo, who could be out by January 1.
The arguments that FC Barcelona may have used to convince Alexander-Arnold to move away from Real Madrid are a mystery.
It is surprising, antway, that despite being banned by LaLiga from making acquisitions, it can sign top-level players, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold.