Homegrown hero Trent Alexander-Arnold appears poised to trade the familiar confines of Anfield for the dazzling allure of the Bernabeu as his contract nears its end. Liverpool's star right-back has been a Red since he was six years old, climbing through their academy ranks.
The 26-year-old earned the captain's armband at U16 and U18 level before becoming a key player in a Champions League and Premier League-winning team. However, Jurgen Klopp, the manager who nurtured him into a trophy-winner on Merseyside, has moved on, and despite progress under Arne Slot, change is on the horizon. With Alexander-Arnold's contract due to expire in the summer, Real Madrid have long been circling, hoping to snap him up on a free transfer. As reports now suggest that this longstanding interest could culminate in a deal, Express Sport retraces the journey that led to the defender's decision – including the Englishman's tearful farewell to his German mentor, a devastating announcement, and the challenges he's faced under his current manager.
Emotional during Klopp's departure
Sky Sports Switzerland reports that Alexander-Arnold has made his decision and will reject any offers from Liverpool to renew his contract, opting instead for a high-profile move to Madrid. The roots of this desire to spread his wings may trace back to another departure from Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp's tenure at Liverpool saw him transform a struggling team into European titans, capped by a Champions League victory in 2019 and followed by an impressive haul of seven more trophies. Yet, in January 2024, he shocked the football world with an announcement of his impending departure at the end of the season.
The final act of Klopp's managerial masterpiece was a 2-0 victory over Wolves last May, leaving a memorable mark, especially on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who struggled to hide his emotions, maybe foreshadowing how dissatisfied he'd become on Merseyside.
"I've been a big part and felt a big part of it. The manager's made me feel a big part of it," said a tearful Alexander-Arnold during an interview with ViaPlay. "I've developed as a man, as a player, under his guidance.
"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."
The revelation that 'shook' Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold conveyed his profound attachment to the departing manager, but it was Klopp's initial bombshell about leaving that really 'shook' the player, catching him and his team-mates utterly unprepared for such a turn of events.
"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," Alexander-Arnold revealed to Sky Sports regarding Klopp's unexpected announcement to his squad.
"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.
"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 issues
The departure of Klopp clearly left Alexander-Arnold reeling, yet his successor, Slot, has seamlessly stepped into the managerial role at Anfield. Despite the dwindling hopes for a multi-trophy season, Slot's side remains a strong contender for the Premier League crown. However, success under Slot hasn't fully satisfied the 26-year-old defender's ambitions, as evidenced by a tense episode early in Slot's tenure.
During a 2-0 victory against Brentford in August, Alexander-Arnold was substituted off just past the 70-minute mark for Conor Bradley. Following a terse exchange with Slot, he appeared visibly frustrated while seated in the dugout and remained so at the match's conclusion.
"He didn't look that happy after being taken off – I understand," Slot acknowledged 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's important to note that Alexander-Arnold has been highly praising of his new manager's tactics, having gone through what many consider an exceptionally impressive debut campaign. Yet, despite this adulation, the shift initiated by Klopp's departure seems to have left an indelible mark, and now the 'Scouser in our team' appears poised to pursue fresh pastures like the celebrated German coach.