Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced that he will be leaving Liverpool when his contract ends this season.
The 26-year-old will join Real Madrid as a free agent, having been unable to persuade Liverpool to invest in his talents to further his successful career at Anfield. There were discussions about a new contract that would have made him the highest paid fullback in the Premier League, and among the top earners worldwide.
Before Richard Hughes officially stepped into the role of Liverpool’s new sports director, he had reached out to Alexander-Arnold. However, serious negotiations with player representatives didn’t begin until Jurgen Klopp’s appointment last year. Unlike Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool couldn’t secure a new deal for Alexander-Arnold, who had already informed the club of his decision to leave weeks in advance.
“After twenty years at Liverpool Football Club, it’s time to say goodbye at the end of the season,” Alexander-Arnold shared this morning on his social media. “This is the hardest decision I have ever had to make. I’m not sure if I’ve fully articulated my feelings or if I come off as frustrated.
“This club means everything to me; my entire world for 20 years. From the academy onward, the support and love I’ve received from everyone associated with the club and the fans will stay with me forever. I’ll always be grateful.”
He has made 350 appearances for Liverpool, securing eight major titles, including the Champions League and two Premier League championships.
“Being at this club daily, I feel as if I’ve come home. I truly appreciate my coaches, managers, teammates, staff, and incredible supporters over the past two decades. I’ll remember this always,” he added.
Joining Liverpool’s youth setup at just 6 years old, he debuted with the first team during a League Cup match against Tottenham in October 2016, shortly after his 18th birthday. He has played 352 times for his childhood club, scoring 23 goals and earning eight significant trophies.
His potential move to Madrid has been speculated for a while. The notion that he was meant to join the Spanish club only intensified after they made a £20 million offer on New Year’s Day, which Liverpool quickly rejected.
