Why Is Florentino Pérez Signing Trent Alexander-Arnold? It’s Not for His Defense!

The English full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is reportedly 95% close to signing for Florentino Pérez’s Real Madrid. While he may not be the most defensively solid right-back, his other qualities have caught the attention of Madrid’s top brass.

This could be Real Madrid’s first major signing of the upcoming summer transfer window, which officially opens in a few months. With his contract at Liverpool set to expire soon, Alexander-Arnold has become a key target for Los Blancos. With Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez aging and approaching the twilight of their careers, the Madrid hierarchy sees the 26-year-old English international as the ideal successor. Alexander-Arnold himself is convinced that the Santiago Bernabéu is the perfect destination for the next chapter of his career, and he has reportedly agreed to join the club in June.

Deal Almost Sealed?

Over the past few hours, both English and Spanish media, including Marca, have unanimously reported that the deal is practically done. On his YouTube channel, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the contractual details are finalized. Alexander-Arnold is expected to earn around €15 million per year, putting him in line with other key Madrid players. The transfer fee is expected to match his market valuation.

Despite this confirmation, many Madrid fans have expressed concerns over the defensive shortcomings of the Englishman. His defensive lapses have been a frequent subject of criticism, with several viral compilations highlighting his mistakes at Liverpool. However, sources within the club insist that Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alexander-Arnold is not driven by defensive needs but rather by his offensive capabilities.

What Attracted Florentino Pérez to TAA?

While skeptics argue that signing Alexander-Arnold is a mistake, Madrid insiders are confident that his attacking attributes justify the move. Florentino Pérez is particularly keen on his ability to deliver precise set pieces. With veteran Toni Kroos nearing the end of his career, Real Madrid is looking for a reliable corner taker. More importantly, the club has lacked a genuine free-kick specialist since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, and Alexander-Arnold’s ability in this area makes him a valuable asset.

A Weapon on Set Pieces

One of Alexander-Arnold’s biggest strengths is his ability to score and create chances from dead-ball situations. His free kicks have been a nightmare for opposition goalkeepers in the Premier League. With his arrival, Madrid hopes to transform set pieces into a lethal weapon, something they have struggled with in recent years. The absence of a consistent free-kick taker has been one of the few weaknesses in their otherwise formidable squad.

Defensive Issues? Real Madrid Has a Plan

Despite widespread doubts about his defensive abilities, Real Madrid’s management is not overly concerned. The club believes that with the right coaching and tactical adjustments, Alexander-Arnold can improve his defensive game. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s staff, he will be expected to refine his positioning and defensive discipline to become a more complete right-back.

A Transition Period with Dani Carvajal

To facilitate his adaptation, Real Madrid plans to ease him into the squad rather than throwing him straight into the deep end. Dani Carvajal, despite struggling with injuries, will still be around next season to share minutes with the newcomer. His presence will allow Alexander-Arnold to gradually settle into Madrid’s defensive structure while focusing on his strengths.

Can He Overcome His Defensive Flaws?

Madrid’s approach with new signings has always been methodical. Young stars like Arda Güler have been given time to integrate into the team rather than being rushed into immediate action. The same philosophy will apply to Alexander-Arnold. The club is confident that with time and proper guidance, his defensive deficiencies can be addressed.

A Signing Beyond Just Right-Back

Another key factor in the signing is the club’s belief that Alexander-Arnold’s versatility can be an asset. He has occasionally played in midfield for Liverpool, and Madrid could explore this option if necessary. His ability to dictate play and deliver long-range passes could add another dimension to the team’s attacking transitions.

The Tactical Vision Behind the Move

Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup allows full-backs to push high up the pitch, making Alexander-Arnold’s profile a good fit. His crossing ability will provide valuable service to Madrid’s forwards, especially with target men like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr. thriving in aerial duels.

Madrid’s Long-Term Thinking

Florentino Pérez’s transfer strategy has always been about planning for the future. Even though Alexander-Arnold has some weaknesses, Madrid sees this as an investment that will pay off in the long run. Given the right environment, he could develop into one of the world’s best all-around full-backs.

Addressing the Critics

Many critics believe Madrid should have prioritized a more defensively solid right-back, but the club’s philosophy has often been about acquiring players with unique qualities and helping them adapt. Alexander-Arnold’s offensive skillset makes him a rare find, and Madrid is willing to take a calculated risk to harness his potential.

The End of an Era for Carvajal?

Carvajal has been a loyal servant for Madrid, winning multiple trophies over the years. However, his increasing injury issues suggest that Madrid needs a long-term solution. Alexander-Arnold’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new chapter, ensuring Madrid’s dominance at right-back for years to come.

The Final Countdown

As the summer transfer window approaches, the football world is eagerly awaiting an official announcement. If the deal goes through, Alexander-Arnold will join a squad filled with superstars, and it will be up to him to prove that he can succeed at the highest level.

Conclusion

Florentino Pérez’s decision to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold is not about fixing Madrid’s defense—it’s about enhancing their attacking capabilities. His set-piece mastery, crossing ability, and passing range make him a unique player who can offer something different. While his defensive flaws are a concern, Real Madrid is betting on his development and the tactical system to compensate for them.

The stage is set, and the football world will be watching closely to see if this move turns out to be a masterstroke or a gamble gone wrong.