Transfer journalist David Ornstein backs the Spanish outlet’s massive claims about Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid for free. The Kopites have rightfully blamed the club for letting the contract situation go this far but all eyes are on Trent’s behaviour, or rather, the utter silence in which he has manoeuvred while Real’s media create havoc throughout the current season.
Apart from Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are also facing an uncertain future with their contracts expiring. However, both Salah and Van Dijk have reiterated their love for Liverpool and desire to stay at the Merseyside club.
Liverpool fans expected the same devotion from their vice-captain who is not just a key player but a local hero. Alexander-Arnold has received unconditional support from the Reds fanbase and the club to become one of the world’s best fullbacks.
Furthermore, the 26-year-old spoke about his desire to become a Liverpool captain in the future, outlining his loyalty. Such claims have earned Alexander-Arnold more praise and a defensive shield whenever any critics attacked him over the years.
From Alexander-Arnold’s struggles under England manager Gareth Southgate to a constant attack on his defensive abilities, the Liverpool fanbase have defended their local boy and backed him to become one of the legends at the club. However, that legacy is in serious jeopardy and Alexander-Arnold has no one to blame but himself.
According to Ornstein, Real are working to close the deal to sign Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on free. The renowned Athletic journalist revealed that the Spanish giant have monitored the 26-year-old for two years.
The dark side of silence
Many fans have used social media to voice their concern over Alexander-Arnold’s behaviour throughout this ordeal. As mentioned earlier, Alexander-Arnold remained silent even when Salah and Van Dijk vocally highlighted their desire to stay.
The 26-year-old’s relationship with Jude Bellingham and constant use of Spanish media from Real created more tensions around Liverpool and between Alexander-Arnold and the fanbase. Those tensions affected Liverpool when Alexander-Arnold delivered a miserable performance against Manchester United in the first game of 2025.
The poor start to 2025 almost cost Liverpool dearly in the Premier League with this contract saga in the epicentre. However, Liverpool fans remember Alexander-Arnold’s goal celebration against West Ham United thinking it was aimed at the media “talking too much”.
The potential move to Real Madrid will completely severe the ties between Liverpool fans and Trent Alexander-Arnold, tarnishing his legacy.
The potential move to Real Madrid will completely severe the ties between Liverpool fans and Trent Alexander-Arnold, tarnishing his legacy.
If the 26-year-old leaves then that celebration is nothing but another lie aimed to deceive the fans that supported him. The saga has reached the point where the majority of the Liverpool fans feel that the club had no power in stopping Alexander-Arnold who arguably had all of this planning in 2021 when he signed the 5-year contract extension.
Rest assured, Alexander-Arnold is nothing like his idol, Steven Gerrard, and this decision is the final evidence to confirm that. He has displayed an inability to drive the team forward in the high-pressure situation and clearly, that decision-making goes beyond the football field.
The 26-year-old has opted for easy trophies, and a little more fame by compromising his values, legacy and relationship with his people.
Where does Alexander-Arnold’s decision leave Liverpool
Emotionally, Liverpool fans wanted Alexander-Arnold to get the wages he believed he deserved and Sky Sports reported that he had rejected an improved offer with a lengthy contract. Practically, the Reds are losing one of their top asset in his prime for free. Furthermore, they are losing one of the best playmakers in the squad.
However, Liverpool are also saving a huge wage budget while they already have Conor Bradley ready to step up. Bradley’s sole issue is his injury record and the Reds might use the transfer market to bolster the defence.
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At the same time, opponents have specifically targeted the right side for many seasons due to Alexander-Arnold’s defensive fragility. Liverpool could fortify their defence further by playing a more balanced player in the area. Rest assured, the Reds need to use next summer wisely in recruitment and move on from individuals with fragile mindsets.