After months of rumours and speculation, it appears that Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season. The future of the 26-year-old has been a hot topic throughout the season, with Real Madrid's interest in the England star well known. His contract with Liverpool expires at the end of June and it appears despite Liverpool's successful campaign, which sees them on the brink of winning the Premier League title under Arne Slot, Real Madrid's pursuit is set to be a successful one.
Having risen through the ranks at Liverpool's academy, Alexander-Arnold has become one of the club's most influential players, even earning the vice-captaincy last year. Sky Sport Switzerland's report that Alexander-Arnold's future has now been 'settled' will be a significant blow to Slot, who has consistently stated his desire to keep the player at the club alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Jurgen Klopp, who gave Alexander-Arnold his first-team debut, will also be saddened by the departure of the defender from Anfield.
Klopp, who left Anfield last summer after a successful nine-year tenure, had managed numerous exceptional players during his time at Liverpool, some of whom left while he was in charge. And it was Klopp's comments following Philippe Coutinho's transfer to Barcelona that have remained etched in the minds of some fans.
"I told him to stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour," Klopp disclosed shortly after the deal was finalised in 2018. "Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more."
Despite Coutinho's move to Barcelona ultimately proving unsuccessful, few would predict a similar outcome for Alexander-Arnold's potential move to the Bernabeu.
However, Klopp's words may once again ring true given Alexander-Arnold's deep connection with Liverpool as a club. A lifelong Reds supporter, Alexander-Arnold joined the academy when he was just six years old and has since made nearly 350 appearances.
But with multiple reports suggesting that Alexander-Arnold has now 'agreed' a five-year contract with Real Madrid, it appears his over two-decade-long journey with the Reds is nearing its end.
This story first appeared on the Mirror