Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool contract expires at the end of next season and reports suggest he has now made his mind up to leave the club and join Real Madrid on a free transfer
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Trent Alexander-Arnold looks all but certain to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer
Trent Alexander-Arnold looks all but certain to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer
(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be on the brink of trading the familiar confines of Anfield for the allure of the Bernabeu as his contract winds down.
The full-back has been with the Reds since he was just six years old, climbing up through their youth system and earning captaincy at both U16 and U18 levels, before becoming a key player in a team that clinched both Champions League and Premier League titles. However, Jurgen Klopp, the manager who nurtured his talent into a trophy-winning force, has since moved on.
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While there has been progress under Arne Slot, change seems imminent. With Alexander-Arnold's contract due to expire in the summer, Real Madrid have long been circling, hoping to snap up the 26-year-old on a free transfer. As rumours suggest that this longstanding interest could soon turn into a concrete deal, we retrace the path leading to the defender's decision – including the Englishman's emotional reaction to his German mentor's departure, one devastating announcement, and the challenges he's faced under his current manager
Emotional farewell to Klopp
Sky Sports Switzerland reports that Alexander-Arnold has made his decision and will reject any offers from Liverpool to extend his contract, opting instead for a high-profile move to Madrid. The roots of such a desire to spread his wings may have been planted when another key figure left Anfield.
Klopp's appointment in 2015 marked a turning point for the Reds, transforming a lacklustre squad into European contenders, culminating in a Champions League victory in 2019. Under his guidance, the team went on to secure seven more trophies, but his shocking announcement in January 2024 that he would step down at the end of the season sent shockwaves through the club.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool, waves goodbye to the fans whilst in front of the Kop, following his final match as Liverpool manager after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on May 19, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Klopp left Anfield in 2024(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The head coach's Anfield swansong came with a 2-0 win over Wolves in May, and Alexander-Arnold's emotional reaction hinted at a deeper level of loss. Speaking to ViaPlay after the curtain call, the defender struggled to contain his emotions
"I've been a big part and felt a big part of it. The manager's made me feel a big part of it," he said, his voice choked with tears. "I've developed as a player and as a person, under his guidance.
The defender couldn't hide his emotions
The defender couldn't hide his emotions(Image: ViaPlay)
"None of this is possible without him. There's not much you can say for a person who's made everything come true for you. He's changed my life, and everyone around me, my whole family. This was all possible through him.
"I can never say thank you enough for that. He made my dreams come true. Ask my family, ask anyone. I'm not emotional. I can't remember the last time I cried! Honestly, I haven't cried in years. So this is very strange for me. It just shows how much he means to me and the club."
A shock announcement
Klopp's departure from the club has left an unmistakable void, one that Alexander-Arnold is still grappling with. In an interview with Sky Sports, Alexander-Arnold expressed his shock at Klopp's departure, reports the Mirror.
"Just a complete surprise to all of us as players. It was one that we didn't see coming. You never do, especially when things are going so well," he remarked. "We were flying, up and around the top of the league. We're fighting on all four fronts at that point for every trophy we could so you're expecting the good times to keep coming and coming and coming.
Trent and Klopp
Alexander-Arnold and Klopp formed a tight bond(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
"So when he tells us the news and his decision, we have got to respect it obviously, but it's one of them no player wants to hear, and it was one that kind of shook the dressing room for a couple of hours."
Slot issue
While Klopp's exit clearly made an impact, Slot has comfortably settled into his new role at Anfield. Despite losing sight of multiple other trophies, his team is firmly fancied to lift the Premier League title.
Slot has defended Alexander-Arnold's defensive abilities
Slot and the Englishman could soon part ways(Image: PA)
However, Alexander-Arnold's desires haven't faded, and an incident early in Slot's tenure may highlight his slight discontent. During a 2-0 victory against Brentford back in August, Alexander-Arnold was substituted after around 70 minutes for Conor Bradley. Following a tension-filled exchange with Slot, he cut a frustrated figure on the bench and looked distinctly unhappy by the end of the match.
"He didn't look that happy after being taken off – I understand," Slot conceded in his post-match press conference. "Every player wants to play 90 minutes. But the players on the bench from the start were also not really happy with my choices."
It should be noted that Alexander-Arnold has consistently praised his new manager's tactics during what has been an exceptionally impressive first season. Yet, the shift that occurred with Klopp's exit may have left a lasting impact, and the 'Scouser in our team' seems poised to seek fresh challenges following the German's footsteps.