Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be Real Madrid-bound and will leave Liverpool after a glittering career at Anfield - but he failed to keep a promise to Reds fans
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool reacts
As Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer to Real Madrid becomes increasingly likely, many Liverpool fans may feel that their right-back is departing too soon – particularly given his assurances about the upcoming season.
The right-back is due to become a free agent at the end of the season and, despite Liverpool's best efforts in contract talks, appears to be set on leaving Merseyside. Madrid have been keeping tabs on the situation for a year and are reportedly ready to secure his services.
The defender will be aiming to conclude his time at Liverpool by aiding them to Premier League success, having been a key figure under Arne Slot. So far this season, Alexander-Arnold has scored two goals and provided six assists in 28 league matches.
However, the 26-year-old might feel he has been unlucky not to have already surpassed last season's goal tally of three, especially considering he had a goal disallowed against Manchester United in September.
The England international's goal, scored just six minutes into the match, was disallowed following a VAR review, which determined that Mohamed Salah was offside during the lead-up to the goal. However, the decision was only made after Alexander-Arnold had replicated Steven Gerrard's famous celebration at Old Trafford by kissing the camera, reports the Express.
After his goal was confirmed by goal-line technology, the defender celebrated by emulating Gerrard's iconic kiss to the camera back in 2014. But a VAR intervention swiftly dampened the celebrations, although the Reds still secured a 3-0 victory. In his post-match discussion with Sky Sports, Alexander-Arnold commented: "Next time, we're coming back."
Trent Alexander-Arnold kisses the camera at Old Trafford.
But with no further Old Trafford clashes on the horizon, unless fate pairs Madrid with United in a European tie, it looks like Alexander-Arnold has made his final appearance there and is set to end his Liverpool tenure without realising his full potential.
He's reportedly shaking up the football world by signing a lucrative five-year deal with the Spanish giants as per talkSPORT claims, which will net him more than £220,000 weekly. Liverpool's response to their No. 66's imminent exit awaits, while rumours float around that planning for Jeremie Frimpong's arrival from Bayer Leverkusen – an acquisition rumoured to be in the region of £42million – is underway.