Trent Alexander-Arnold's potential move to Real Madrid this summer has caused consternation among many Liverpool fans - and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has had his say on the proposed switch
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Updated 09:28, 31 Mar 2025
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool
Gary Lineker is looking on the positive side of Trent Alexander-Arnold's expected move to Real Madrid
(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
In light of the criticism Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced over his anticipated move to Real Madrid, Gary Lineker has outlined his "hope" that Liverpool fans give him a good send-off. And the Match of the Day host is ecstatic for the Liverpool star ahead of what he deems to be "an absolutely fabulous move" for the Reds' vice-captain.
Reports suggest Alexander-Arnold – whose contract at Anfield expires in June – is on course to join Los Blancos for free at the end of this season. And the 26-year-old, who joined Liverpool's academy at the age of six, has faced criticism for the manner in which the move has come to fruition.
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It's understood Real offered around £15million to sign Alexander-Arnold in January, but the offer was rejected by the Reds. It's Lineker's belief that the soon-to-be two-time Premier League winner – who has also won the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup at Liverpool – has been unfairly castigated by section of supporters.
"It looks like it might happen, but we're not sure yet. There has obviously been an approach," Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast. "And he's had a bit of stick from Liverpool fans and stuff.
"I don't mind saying I think it would be an absolutely fabulous move for him. I think to play for Real Madrid is something that's very difficult to turn down. He's been at Liverpool since he was a kid. It transcends him into another level when you play for a club like that.
"It'll be absolutely brilliant for him. He's their sort of player, because they like to see beautiful, attacking football, and he's one of the best passers of the ball in the world's game."
Gary Lineker speaking on his podcast
Lineker has backed the player to complete an "absolutely fabulous" transfer
Lineker also mentioned British football fans "tend to focus on the negative or weakness" in players, whereas he feels Spanish fans are more positive. However, ex-Real alumni like Gareth Bale or Michael Owen – who also moved to Madrid from Liverpool – may have something to say about that.
"It'll be fascinating to see if it happens. I suspect it probably will," added the ex-Everton striker. He then explained what he wants to see happen, saying: "And I hope the Liverpool fans give him a really good send-off, because I think he deserves it."
Alan Shearer also stood up for Alexander-Arnold in anticipation of what would be a seismic moment for both clubs this summer. The full-back's fate and possible departure has become of much greater consequence given Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's contracts are also running down at the same time Arne Slot is attempting to consolidate his early success.
Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers
Alexander-Arnold may not be the only major star Arne Slot loses this summer(Image: 2025 AMA Sports Photo Agency)
"I don't get the criticism," said Shearer, whose beloved Newcastle recently beat Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup trophy. "He's entitled to do whatever he wants. He has given that football club absolutely everything. Yes, he's on a good salary, but he's won everything, and if he wants to challenge himself going abroad and playing for Real Madrid, then so be it!
"They turned a bid down for him in January, so they could have made money on him. He's played, I don't know, 350 games-ish? And he's given his best. They should give him a great send-off.
"The Liverpool fans will say, 'aw, he should have come out and said something [warning of his exit].' No! Why should he have to come out? He's entitled to say nothing, and he doesn't have to tell the story of what's gone on. He's an individual who's worked his socks off and won everything. Liverpool will get over it like they always do."
Lineker did give the fan base its dues and clarified many Reds supporters will indeed give their player a fond farewell if he leaves as expected.
The potential split is that much harder to take given Alexander-Arnold's age and the notion he has so much more to give at the top level. And that's exactly his own logic knowing he can perform in Madrid, where he and close pal Jude Bellingham have the potential to conquer for years to come.