Transfer news: "I just find it crazy" - Gary Neville left surprised by transfer decision involving former Liverpool superstar

Former player Gary Neville is surprised by Real Madrid's decision to pay Liverpool £10 million for Trent Alexander-Arnold despite securing the right-back's signature for free. The English defender's contract with the Merseyside club was set to expire at the end of June. However, Los Blancos opted to pay a fee, allowing the 26-year-old to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14.

The former Manchester United defender is 'stunned' by the development. Speaking on the It's Called Soccer podcast, Neville said (via the Liverpool Echo):

"I'm stunned by that really, that £10m has changed hands... but there is £100m at stake in the Club World Cup, and Real Madrid have a great chance of winning it. So you imagine if he plays in this tournament, they haven't got a right back that's playing there naturally at this moment in time, so it could be money well spent in four or five weeks. I just find it crazy that you're spending £10m to have a player for five or six games. It's incredible."

Trent Alexander-Arnold came through the Reds' youth ranks and registered 23 goals and 92 assists in 354 games for the senior side. The Englishman helped Liverpool win two Premier League titles, two League Cups, one FA Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and one UEFA Champions League.

German legend tips Florian Wirtz to do well at Liverpool

German legend Philipp Lahm has tipped Florian Wirtz to shine at Liverpool amid reports that the German attacker is set to move to Merseyside this summer. The Bayer Leverkusen star is one of the most exciting forwards in the world and is expected to strengthen a side that claimed the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season.

Writing for The Athletic, Lahm hailed Wirtz's abilities and expected him to seamlessly slot into the English champions' style of play. He wrote (via FotMob):

“The system of play there has pace, vertical direction, and a clear allocation of roles within the team that should suit him well. Wirtz doesn't just want to be involved in the attacking play, he wants to be the decisive part of it. He is more straightforward and clear-minded. He waits, he picks his moments, and can alter the speed of a game with one touch or pass.“

The Reds would hope that the German star can complete a transfer to Anfield this summer and help them secure an unprecedented 21st league title next season.

About the author

Patrick is a European and international football journalist at Sportskeeda covering news and transfer rumors. A Business Administration graduate with a professional experience of 10 years, one of his earliest childhood memories is watching Calabar Rovers play at the U.J. Esuene Stadium with his father, with whom, he connects with, discussing the beautiful game.

Patrick’s favorite team is Manchester United for their unparallelled legacy and success in the game. He is a big admirer of Michael Carrick and his ‘smooth’ style of play back in the days. His favorite manager is Jose Mourinho, who according to him, brought a ‘swagger’ to football with his unique managerial style. Robin van Persie’s title-winning volley against Aston Villa for the 2013 PL triumph is etched in his memory forever.

Patrick always uses trusted outlets that produce accurate, balanced and fair information, and which present multiple point of views. He believes in reporting in a holistic manner for the readers’ benefit. If he could change a football rule, he would increase the number of substitutions allowed due to the high number of games played these days, to reduce injuries and so that youngsters get to show their talent as well.

When not covering football, Patrick loves reading, writing poems and short stories, and spend time with his dog Lana.

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Edited by Parag Jain