Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Alexander-Arnold JOINS Real Madrid, Van Dijk TRUTH, AGENT Bellingham

Tom Weber

• Updated: 25 Mar 2025 08:31 CDT
• 8 min read

News

Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on Trent Alexander-Arnold's imminent move from Liverpool to Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham's role in the transfer and a clarification on Los Blancos' supposed interest in Virgil van Dijk.

Alexander-Arnold set for Real Madrid

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that Alexander-Arnold is on the verge of reaching an agreement with Real Madrid.

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold agreement with Real Madrid imminent - Ornstein

"One year ago, 22nd of March, 2024, I tweeted Real Madrid are monitoring the situation of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, [who is] out of contact in summer 2025. And now, one year later, we are here to say that the 'here we go' is expected to come soon for Trent to Real Madrid.

"Real Madrid have sent their official contract proposal this week to Trent and his camp to discuss the details of the contract for the English right-back to join Madrid in the summer transfer window as a free agent.

"[Trent is set] to rejoin his big friend Jude Bellingham, who has always been speaking very well about Real Madrid as a club, as a group of players, obviously, the Bernabeu and the magic of Real Madrid but also about the city, the life in Madrid. So, a fantastic relationship between Trent and Jude.

"Obviously what made the difference is how aggressive Real Madrid have been on this story for Trent. Because since one year ago, he's always been the top target for Real Madrid. They were also considering Alphonso Davies, obviously two different positions but Real Madrid wanted to invest on an offensive full-back, only one in their idea, and the top, top target has always been Trent.

"Real Madrid really consider Trent as the perfect player in terms of age, in terms of wages. What I can tell you today is that the salary of Trent at Real Madrid is not going to be a crazy salary. So he's not going to be on a salary like Vinicius, [Kylian] Mbappe.

"He's not going to be on that kind of salary, from what I'm hearing. He's accepting a salary that is part of Real Madrid's policy, so that's a really important point.

"Real Madrid have been monitoring Trent for years, more than three years, convinced that he can play right back, also in midfield when he's needed. Pure quality, something that they always wanted at Real Madrid. They appreciate the mentality of the player. So Real Madrid have been in love with Trent for a long, long time

"Trent is expected to join Real Madrid. Now, they are discussing the final details of the contract. Work in progress to get everything done. Nothing has been signed yet, so we have to be patient and wait for the right moment to say, 'OK, it's done, it's completed, here we go.'

"Real Madrid, as part of a gentleman's agreement with Liverpool, will inform Liverpool as soon as they have all the contracts in place. They are working on the details and all parties are optimistic and confident to reach an agreement on every single detail of this contract."

READ MORE: Surprise Xabi Alonso twist SHOCKS Real Madrid

Real Madrid wanted Trent in January

Romano also reiterated that Los Blancos had already approached Liverpool regarding a January transfer for Alexander-Arnold.

"In January, even before January, it was at the end of December, Real Madrid tried to approach Liverpool. They have a very good relationship and they tried to make a proposal for Trent.

"So the conversation was something like, 'how much would you want to let Trent leave six months before losing the player on a free?' But Liverpool said, 'no, no way, Trent is going to finish the season here. We don't want to touch the squad as we are fighting for several competitions.'

"That was the case in January. So Liverpool didn't want to entertain any conversation and they wanted to try to extend the contract of Trent till the end. Liverpool have been trying for months to extend the contract of Trent - in October, in November, in December, in January.

"They've always been trying and trying and trying, but at this point, they understand that everything is really, really advanced. It would take something completely crazy to change the story and for Trent to extend his contract at Liverpool.

"In football, till contracts are signed, never say never, but Liverpool have this feeling that now Trent is very close to joining Real Madrid. Real Madrid were never going to pay, I don't know, €60, €70 or €80 million in January, but they were prepared to pay something maybe around €18, €20, €25m for Trent."

Real Madrid not interested in Van Dijk

Finally, Romano also addressed the speculation linking Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk to Real Madrid.

"In the recent weeks and months, we also had reports on Virgil van Dijk and Real Madrid. Let me say that was never the case. From what I'm hearing, Real Madrid never had any conversation with Van Dijk. The agents of Van Dijk never started any conversation with Real Madrid.

"So obviously, when there are players of this level potentially available on a free, clubs are always attentive and informed on the situation. But Real Madrid never started a negotiation for Virgil and Virgil never started any conversation with Real Madrid.

"So for Van Dijk, it's a completely different story. And what I'm hearing at this point is that Liverpool maintain their position and their intention to keep Virgil at the club and to make things happen in terms of a new contract with negotiations ongoing, with Liverpool hopeful to reach an agreement, with Liverpool pushing to make it happen.

"It's absolutely important for Liverpool to keep a leader like Van Dijk, especially after what's going to happen with Alexander-Arnold. So the conversation is underway with Virgil. Virgil said a few days ago - and he's absolutely right - people are lying if they tell you that they know what's going to happen.

"It's the truth. At this point, nothing has been decided, but Liverpool are still there. Liverpool are still speaking to Virgil and Liverpool maintain their optimism to reach an agreement with Van Dijk. With Trent, already in September, October, November and December, Liverpool were not that optimistic because they knew about Real Madrid, and Real Madrid have been really strong, really aggressive in this race for Trent."