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      What happened to the six Englishmen who played for Real Madrid with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join exclusive club

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is set to become just the seventh Englishman to play for Real Madrid in the professional era.The Liverpool full-back, 26, has agreed terms with the Spanish giants.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to seal his Liverpool exitCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold has reportedly sealed a five-year contract worth £240,000 a week.The England star will link up with international team-mate Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capitalOver the last four years playing for the Three Lions together, the duo have forged a strong friendship.So they will be thrilled to team up at club level for arguably the biggest team in the world.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPrior to the professional era, Englishmen Charles Wallace, Guillermo Linney and Arthur Johnson played for Los Blancos.While a further trio – Lindsey, Stampher and Vickerstaff – also played for Real Madrid in the club’s early years, although their first names are not known.The six England stars to have played for Real Madrid in the modern era have had mixed fortunes.Ahead of Alexander-Arnold’s blockbuster free transfer, SunSport takes a look at how each of his English Real Madrid predecessors have fared.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.Laurie Cunningham signed for Real Madrid in 1979Credit: PA:Empics SportCunningham had achieved legend status at West BromCredit: GettySTEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.Steve McManaman was popular with Real Madrid’s fansCredit: AFPMcManaman, 53, is now a TNT Sports regularCredit: GettyDAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.David Beckham spent four years as a GalacticoCredit: AFPBeckham brought Lionel Messi to Inter MiamiCredit: APMICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.Michael Owen scored 16 goals for Real MadridCredit: AP:Associated PressOwen, 45, appeared on The Masked SingerJONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.Jonathan Woodgate signed for Real Madrid in 2004Credit: EPAWoodgate now works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick at MiddlesbroughCredit: AlamyJUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.READ MORE SUN STORIESBirmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.Jude Bellingham’s celebration is already iconicCredit: GettyBellingham is close friends with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AP More

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      ‘We all know’ – Real Madrid target Dean Huijsen WON’T be a Bournemouth player next year, says team-mate Justin Kluivert

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      JUSTIN KLUIVERT is resigned to losing Bournemouth team-mate Dean Huijsen.Real Madrid are taking an increasing interest in the Spain defender after a stellar breakthrough season in the Premier League.Dean Huijsen is a target for Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyJustin Kluivert expects his team-mate to leave BouremouthCredit: AlamyCentre half Huijsen, 19, won his first senior cap as he helped his country see off Kluivert and Holland in a Nations League penalty shootout yesterday.Kluivert said: “He plays for Bournemouth with me. He is a great player. Spain has a phenomenon for so many years.”He is truly amazing. He came to England in the summer and adapted fantastically.”He is so young and he already plays for Spain – and he plays like this.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m sure he will have a lot of offers in the summer. And we all know that next year he won’t be with us at Bournemouth.”SunSport exclusively revealed in January that 15-times European champions Madrid have lined up a move for the blossoming defender.He has a £50million release clause in his contract having cost Bournemouth just £15m last summer from Juventus, and has also been linked with Premier League rivals including Manchester United.It took Huijsen until December to nail down a place in Andoni Iraola’s side but has not looked back since, featuring 27 times this season.Most read in FootballHe was called up to the senior Spain squad for the first time this month.Huijsen, who was born in Amsterdam but moved with his family to Marbella as a kid, previously represented Holland at Under-19 level.Wolves fan goes to extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert taking a penalty in loss to BournemouthDean Huijsen earned his first two caps for Spain in this international breakCredit: Rex More

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      Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAIN

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      BARCELONA’S move to their new stadium has been delayed AGAIN.Barca left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Catalan city’s Olympic Stadium.Barcelona’s return to the Nou Camp has been delayed once moreCredit: BARCELONABarcelona left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona fans were informed they will play the rest of their LaLiga and Champions League matches at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona were expected to return to the Nou Camp in NovemberCredit: RexThe legendary ground, which will be renamed the Spotify Camp Nou, is undergoing reconstruction that will see it hold a capacity of around 105,000 – the highest in Europe.The Blaugrana were initially expected to return in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.Barcelona president Joan Laporta then claimed the club would be back in the stadium by March.According to ESPN, however, the Catalan giants have now informed fans the club will finish the season at the Olympic Stadium, where they will play all remaining LaLiga and Champions League matches.Read More on FootballSupporters got the news via email on Thursday.Things have slowed down due to the fact more work is required on the second tier than initially planned.This comes after a recent report from Relevo claimed the earliest the Catalans could move would be October 2025.The same source added the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Most read in FootballBarcelona are pushing for the LaLiga title despite playing away from their home.They currently top LaLiga, but bitter rivals Real Madrid are second with the same amount of points.Delayed Camp Nou appears far from completion as new video shows slow progress of £1Atletico Madrid are four points behind the El Clasico foes amid an exciting season.Hansi Flick’s side are also in the Champions League quarter-finals where they will face Borussia Dortmund. More

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      Champions League giants ‘ready to WITHDRAW 70,460-seater stadium from hosting World Cup’

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      ATLETICO MADRID are prepared to pull out of hosting games at the 2030 World Cup, reports claim.As many as 23 venues have been proposed for the biggest show in sport in five years’ time- which will be held across a record SIX countries.Atletico Madrid are prepared to withdraw from hosting games at the 2030 World CupThe club won’t push for the Metropolitano to be one of the 32 stadium venuesSpain, Portugal and Morocco will be the main hosts in 2030 in a year where the World Cup will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It is the first time the competition will be played in Spain for 48 years, and its first time ever in the latter two.For its centenary celebrations, the first three matches of the 2030 World Cup will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.This is to commemorate the first World Cup final in 1930, where hosts Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 in the final.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe final venues for the tournament have not been confirmed, although most grounds are bidding for a spot.But Atletico Madrid are reportedly shelving their 2030 World Cup hosting bid.The LaLiga club won’t push for the Metropolitano to be one of the 32 stadium venues, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.It comes as Fifa requires stadiums to be available more than a month before the 2030 tournament for its preparations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Atletico are keen to exploit the commercial benefits of hosting concerts and events during the peak summer calendar.Reports claim that Atletico would lose around £20million by not being able to use its stadium during June and July.Inside £49m ‘Stadium of the Year’ which saw world record set and is more popular than the Bernabeu And club believe that hosting one or two group stage matches is not worth losing out on the concert money.Meanwhile, Atletico are also predicting that they’ll likely play second fiddle to fierce city rivals Real Madrid in 2030.The new and iconic Bernabeu will compete with Barcelona’s Nou Camp to host the World Cup final. Meanwhile, Valencia’s Nou Mestalla Stadium is set to have its World Cup hosting rights restored after work restarted following 16 years.The skeleton of what had been dubbed “the world’s best stadium” had been lying dormant as construction work halted in 2009.The aim is to complete the 70,000-capacity stadium by the summer of 2027 after the club unveiled its sixth set of plans since the original announcement in 2006.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzan, has now suggested the ground will be one considered for 2030.Meanwhile. the Metropolitano has all-but been confirmed as the host stadium for the 2027 Champions League final, according to the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF).2030 FIFA World Cup venues – proposed full listAnoeta Donostia, SpainCamp Nou Barcelona, SpainGran Canaria, SpainLa Cartuja, SpainLa Rosaleda SpainRiyadh Air Metropolitano, SpainNueva Romareda, SpainRCDE Stadium, SpainEstadio Riazor, SpainSan Mamés, SpainSantiago Bernabéu, SpainEstádio da Luz, PortugalEstádio do Dragão, PortugalEstádio José Alvalade, PortugalAdrar Stadium, MoroccoHassan II Stadium, MoroccoFez Stadium, MoroccoMarrakesh Stadium,MoroccoPrince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, MoroccoIbn Batouta Stadium, MoroccoEstadio National del Paraguay, ParaguayEstadio Monumental, ArgentinaEstadio Centenario, Uruguay More

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      Premier League clubs on red alert as cash-strapped Barcelona face losing TEN wonderkids on free transfers

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      PREM clubs are on alert amid reports Barcelona could lose ten wonderkids on free transfers.The cash-strapped club are in still in a perilous financial situation and face another difficult transfer window.Hansi Flick could lose players he has earmarked for the first-teamCredit: GettyThey have been forced to let a number of key assets leave in recent years and have had to juggle the books to register signings like Dani Olmo in the last few months.But now Barcelona could be forced to let go up to ten academy stars, according to SPORT.That is how many players in La Masia are out of contract at the end of June.Barcelona are yet to offer them new deals and that may remain the case due to their lack of money.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe likes of Arnau Pradas, Hugo Alba and Jan Virgili are big academy talents and have been earmarked by Hansi Flick for promotion to the first-team.But if Barca fail to drum up cash they face losing all three – putting Prem clubs on high alert.One player who was of particular interest is Pau Cubarsí, but Barcelona managed to tie him down to a long-term deal last month after he turned 18.But striker Marc Guiu left for Chelsea last summer and other stars could follow suit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBarcelona’s dire financial situation has not stopped them from identifying transfer targets however, with Alexander Isak and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz of interest.Despite their woes off the pitch, Flick has led Barca to the top of Laliga and to the Champions League quarter-final.Benfica fans furiously brawl with Barcelona stewards with limbs everywhere during Champions League KO More

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      Andrija Delibasic dead at 43: Former LaLiga star dies after two-year battle with brain cancer as tributes pour in

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      FORMER LaLiga star Andrija Delibasic has died aged just 43 after a two-year battle with brain cancer.The Montenegro striker scored in a 2-2 draw with England in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Podgorica.Andrija Delibasic earned 21 caps for his countryCredit: AFPDelibasic played for several clubs in LaLigaCredit: AFPDelibasic played for Spanish clubs Real Mallorca, Real Sociedad, Hercules and Rayo Vallecano.He won two Serbian titles with Partizan Belgrade, and played a small part in Benfica’s 2005 Portuguese league triumph.Capped 21 times, Delibasic went on to coach Montenegrin club Mornar from 2021 to 2023.He underwent surgery after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut home-country media revealed that he tragically passed away on Wednesday.Delibasic’s former clubs were quick to pay tribute to the Niksic-born ace.Hercules wrote: “We lament the passing of Andrija Delibasic. He was the key to our promotion to the Primera Liga in 2009-10.”He scored 20 goals in two seasons for us.  We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”Most read in FootballMeanwhile Mallorca said: “We deeply regret the loss of our former player, Andrija Delibasic.”We send our thoughts to his family and loved ones.”Globe-trotting Delibasic also played for Portuguese clubs Braga and Beira-Mar as well as Greek big-hitters AEK Athens.He had a spell with Thai club Ratchaburi before ending his playing career with Sutjeska, based in his home town Niksic.Delibasic played in many countries during his careerCredit: Rex More

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      Luis Diaz’s Liverpool future in doubt with ‘concrete possibility’ winger leaves after Barcelona join transfer race

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      LIVERPOOL star Luis Diaz could leave Anfield at the end of the season amid interest from Barcelona, according to reports.The Colombian winger was on the radar of the Catalan giants last summer.Barcelona are set to reignite their interest in Luis Diaz this summerCredit: GettyBarcelona could not strike a deal due to financial constraints while Liverpool demanded £75million.But reporter Fabrizio Romano claims it is “concrete possibility” that Diaz is shown the exit door soon.The 28-year-old’s contract does not expire until the summer of 2027, but Liverpool could cash-in to stop the player running down his deal.Romano expects Barcelona to come back in for him as he is “appreciated” by their transfer chiefs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he reports again that the club’s finances could prove a major stumbling block.Barca have competition from Saudi Arabian sides who will have few challenges finding enough cash.But they are also keen on persuading his Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez to the Middle East.It also alleged that there was “genuine interest” in Diaz from Manchester City a year ago.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLiverpool are set for a busy summer with Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah seeing their contracts expire.Arne Slot’s side are said to be desperate to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards walk off CBS Sports set after Liverpool hero Alisson’s post-match interviewSunSport exclusively revealed that the Cherries are, meanwhile, confident of signing Caoimhin Kelleher.Liverpool chiefs have also reportedly made contact with Alexander Isak’s representatives ahead of a possible bid.But Newcastle remain adamant that their Carabao Cup final hero will remain on Tyneside and will discuss an improved contract this summer.Carabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players. More

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      Furious Carlo Ancelotti threatens to BOYCOTT LaLiga games before Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Arsenal

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      CARLO Ancelotti says Real Madrid will now BOYCOTT LaLiga games scheduled with less than 72 hours rest beforehand.Madrid beat Villarreal 2-1 on Saturday but the match kicked off 67 hours after his side’s penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.Carlo Ancelotti has threatened to boycott future LaLiga games after Real Madrid won 2-1 at VillarrealIt comes after the team claimed a victory in a challenging 120-minute game against Atletico Madrid on WednesdayAncelotti said his players were exhausted without a 72-hour recoveryJude Bellingham was one of 11 players to play 120 minutes against Atletico Madrid on WednesdayAncelotti claimed Madrid had contacted LaLiga twice to ask for the time of Saturday’s 5:30pm game to be changed.Madrid travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on April 8. The Italian manager then said it would be “the last time” such scheduling was arranged.He fumed: “The explanation (for the win in the circumstances) is that this team has something special, character, commitment.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But they can’t always do it, sometimes I even get angry with them.”We have to thank these players for their tremendous effort since January 3. Even more so today.“I think today is the last game we will play with less than 72 hours rest. We will never do it again. “We have asked LaLiga twice to change the time of the game and nothing has happened, but this is the last time.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLaLiga sources indicated Madrid did not make a request regarding the Villarreal game before the schedule for this weekend’s match round was confirmed, according to The Athletic.The need for a 72-hour rest period between games has been raised to Fifa by player unions, but it’s not mandatory.Jamie Carragher exposes iShowSpeed’s ‘real name’ on live TV during Champions League coverage European mid-week competitors Barcelona, Atletico, Real Sociedad and Athletic Club all have league fixtures scheduled for Sunday.Madrid saw themselves 1-0 down after Juan Foyth’s seventh minute goal, before Kylian Mbappe’s quick-fire double secured the turnaround.Ancelotti could not rotate his team on Saturday, considering the league standings.Los Blancos are currently first in the LaLiga table with 60 points, while Barcelona sit three points behind and Atletico four.Meanwhile, Barca have another extra game following the postponement against Osasuna a week ago.Ancellotti added: “It was a trap game, because of everything that happened.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because of the hours of rest and because of the strength of the opponent, who are a good team, but we watered down physically.”The team ended up exhausted, it’s quite normal. It’s a victory that says a lot about this team and the resources of this squad.” More