In a stunning turn of events, Barcelona is reportedly interested in signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool star, just as he is set to leave Anfield for Real Madrid.

The Emotional Exit from Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced that he will depart Liverpool this summer when his contract expires, stating, "the time is right" for him to seek a new challenge.

A Done Deal with Real Madrid?

It's believed that Alexander-Arnold has already reached an agreement to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. This move has been speculated throughout the season, intensifying after he informed Liverpool officials back in March about his decision not to renew his contract.

Real Madrid is eager to finalize the deal before June 30, aiming to have him in their squad for the Club World Cup beginning June 14. They are prepared to offer €1 million (~$1.12 million) to Liverpool for an early release.

Barcelona’s Last-Minute Interest

However, it seems Barcelona had a chance to swoop in. According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Alexander-Arnold's camp floated the idea of a transfer to Barcelona while looking for a blockbuster deal.

Unfortunately for the Catalan giants, they felt the proposal came too late, as club presidents Joan Laporta and Deco were unwilling to get into a bidding war with Madrid, particularly knowing how much Alexander-Arnold admires the prospect of playing alongside Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.

How Madrid Fans Can Rejoice

Madrid supporters have plenty to cheer about, as it seems Florentino Perez is on track to secure Alexander-Arnold's signature for a lucrative six-year deal. Although he may earn less than mega stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, he will receive attractive signing bonuses as part of his move.

A Challenging First Season Ahead

His first season with Madrid may be transitional. The team is currently behind Barcelona in terms of form, with Barca dominating the Supercopa de Espana and Copa del Rey finals, plus holding a four-point lead in La Liga.

With news that Los Blancos could replace manager Carlo Ancelotti with Xabi Alonso, Alexander-Arnold's introduction could mark a significant shift within the squad.

Barcelona’s Backup Plans

Meanwhile, Barcelona is already scouting for alternatives. Reports indicate they will now shift their focus to Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong, who has caught their eye following the decision against a late effort to secure Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool is also keen on signing the talented Dutch right-back as a replacement, leading to a potential transfer battle.

The Transfer Drama Continues

Barcelona isn't just focusing on Frimpong; they are also eyeing Tottenham Hotspur's Pedro Porro, hinting at a dramatic summer of transfers. The stakes are high, and every move could reshape the upcoming season.