How Real Madrid is expected to line up with Alonso as coach and Alexander-Arnold advanced

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Anfield at the end of the season and will continue his career at Real Madrid, British media reported on Tuesday, adding that the Englishman has agreed everything with the royal club.

Alexander-Arnold's contract with Liverpool expires at the end of June and he will join Real Madrid on a free transfer, meaning he will not be paid a fee. British media reports that he will sign a five-year contract with the Spanish club, according to which he should earn around 20 million euros per season plus a performance bonus. He will also receive a special signing bonus for the Madrid club. He earned 11 million euros per year at Liverpool.

This shouldn't be the only change at Real, as there are growing rumours that coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is under contract until the end of next season, will complete a new term at the Santiago Bernabeu after the current campaign ends. Spanish newspaper Onda Cero reported on his possible departure in mid-January, noting that Ancelotti is determined to complete his second spell in Madrid, regardless of whether they win trophies this season.

Ancelotti has achieved impressive success during his second spell at Real Madrid, which began in 2021. He has won two Champions League titles (2022 and 2024), two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup. His decision comes after he became the most successful coach in the club's history, but he believes his cycle at the Santiago Bernabeu is over.

Read too Real Madrid "covers money" for Alexander-Arnold, his salary revealed

Real Madrid already have a plan for the future. Xabi Alonso, the club's former midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen coach, is set to take over. The Spaniard won the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup with the club last season, while losing in the Europa League final.

Alonso has been on the Madrid club's radar for years and his arrival is expected this summer after the end of the season. Fans are eagerly awaiting how Alonso will shape the team and continue the tradition of success of one of the biggest football clubs in the world.

Read too Liverpool fans don't forgive Alexander-Arnold, come out with a request for Arne Slot

With the Spaniard on the bench, Real are expected to play with three centre-backs in the back line along with two full-backs. Alexander-Arnold's arrival should be crucial as the Englishman will need to cover the right flank. His ability to combine and cut inside, which he showed under Jurgen Klopp, as well as his excellent shot and cross, would add another dimension to Real's already potent attack.

Real's attack itself should not change, so Rodrygo and Vinicius would retain their positions on the wing, while Kylian Mbappe would remain at the forefront of the attack. The second full-back position would be taken by 27-year-old Frenchman Ferland Mendy, and Fran Garcia is also an option.

Two central positions are reserved for Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, and a strong rotation will consist of Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, as well as team captain Luka Modric should he extend his contract with the club. The 25-year-old Frenchman is no stranger to the centre-back position, having covered several games this season.

However, the defensive trio should be led by German Antonio Rudiger with youngster Raul Asecio on one side and Eder Militao on the other. /Telegraph/