Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold rejected a fresh deal that would have placed him among the highest-earning fullbacks in world football.
The 26-year-old England international is expected to join Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer as his Liverpool contract expires on June 30.
Alexander-Arnold confirmed the potential switch in a statement, although neither club has made an official statement.
ESPN reports that Liverpool were prepared to offer the defender a fresh deal with a pay package that would have made him one of the best-paid fullbacks in world football.
Contract renewal talks began towards the end of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure and continued into Arne Slot’s time in charge.
However, Alexander-Arnold has made it clear he intends to end his 20-year sojourn at Merseyside.
“I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that’s gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here.
“Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that,” he said.