After a protracted transfer controversy, Real Madrid has confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move from Liverpool. Four potential possibilities have been made public in the wake of the announcement that his usual shirt number, 66, is no longer available.
One month before his contract at Anfield expires, Alexander-Arnold, who is considered by many to be among the best players in Liverpool history, will travel to Spain after Xabi Alonso paid €10 million to allow him to play in the FIFA Club World Cup.
He was born and raised in Merseyside, signed a six-year contract with the La Liga team, and will soon play for Los Blancos with fellow countryman Jude Bellingham. However, he will not be sporting the number 66, which is associated with his 354-game stint at Anfield.
What Alexander-Arnold Could Do Examine the Madrid Number
The defender’s usual No. 66 shirt is not allowed in Spain.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, has frequently worn the No. 66 shirt since graduating from Liverpool’s esteemed junior ranks, which is fairly unusual for a right-back. But at the Santiago Bernabeu, and throughout Spain’s top division, No. 66 is prohibited.
This is due to a rule that states that only first-team players may wear squad numbers ranging from 1 to 25, as stated in Article 239 of the Spanish Football Federation’s code regarding “Player Uniforms.” La Liga teams are unable to retire shirt numbers for the same reason.
Now that Carlo Ancelotti’s promising successor, Alonso, and his team are trying to get the most out of the attack-minded right-back, what are the statistics that the world-beating Liverpudlian may adopt for the 2025–26 season and beyond?
Alexander-Arnold sported numbers like 2, 15, 17, and 18 as he went from being a dynamic young player to being widely regarded as one of the world’s top defenders. However, Arda Guler and Dani Carvajal occupy positions 2 and 15, respectively.
The No. 18 jersey is available as Jesus Vallejo leaves through the revolving exit doors. No. 17 will become available due to Lucas Vazquez’s departure after the Club World Cup, but the Spanish capital will also see the arrival of two additional numbers.
Former Los Blancos player Marcelo took control of the No. 12, which is currently the lowest number available, and Alexander-Arnold might emulate the full-back. According to Madrid Universal, No. 24 is potentially a possibility elsewhere.
It is doubtful that he will be able to assume the role of the No. 12 strip. Most clubs in Spain’s top division leave that number free as a sign of respect for their fans, who are known as the 12th man, even if it’s somewhat of an unwritten law.
In an effort to determine his ideal position, former England manager Gareth Southgate has had Alexander-Arnold wear a variety of numbers on the international scene. The versatile star has worn numbers like 2, 7, 8, and even No. 10, which is normally reserved for a team’s star attacking midfielder.
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