Trent Alexander-Arnold looks increasingly likely to join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season, and Gary Lineker has called for Liverpool fans to give him a good send-off
Comments
Sport
Gary Lineker speaking on his podcast
Gary Lineker believes Trent Alexander-Arnold is well within his rights to turn his back on Liverpool
(Image: YouTube/The Rest is Football Podcast)
Gary Lineker has expressed his support for Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of what promises to be a ground-breaking switch to Real Madrid. The Match of the Day host is over the moon for the England defender – even if not all Liverpool fans happen to see it that way.
It looks increasingly likely that Alexander-Arnold – whose current deal with Liverpool runs out in June – will join Los Blancos on a free this summer. And the 26-year-old has been on the receiving end of some flak from Reds fans for how the highly anticipated move has come to pass.
Article continues below
Reports indicated in January that a £15million bid from Real was knocked back by Liverpool, denying the club their last chance to secure a fee for the player. Lineker, however, contends that the decorated Premier League and Champions League winner has been unjustly pilloried as Alexander-Arnold stands on the verge of what Lineker deems to be "an absolutely fabulous move".
"It looks like it might happen, but we're not sure yet," he said on The Rest Is Football podcast. "There has obviously been an approach. 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."
Lineker – who spent three years at Barcelona – went on to note British football fans "tend to focus on the negative or weakness" in players, suggesting the dynamic is different in Spain. However, other Real alumni like Gareth Bale and Michael Owen – who also left Liverpool to join Real – may disagree.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold has made 349 appearances for Liverpool, winning every major trophy available
"It'll be fascinating to see if it happens. I suspect it probably will," added Lineker. He also sent a message to Reds supporters, stating on the podcast (via the Liverpool Echo): "And I hope the Liverpool fans give him a really good send-off, because I think he deserves it."
Alan Shearer came to Alexander-Arnold's defence too ahead of what could be a game-changing move for both teams. There's also additional spotlight on Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's contracts expiring this summer, which could dent Arne Slot's efforts to build on the success of his debut campaign.
"I don't get the criticism," said the Newcastle legend, whose old side celebrated victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. "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.
Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arne Slot could be set to lose several key stars this summer(Image: 2025 AMA Sports Photo Agency)
"The Liverpool fans will say, 'aw, he should have come out and said something [to warn 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 acknowledged that many Liverpool supporters will still likely give their player a warm goodbye if he departs as anticipated. That being said, one can understand some fans feeling frustrated at the fact such a valued asset has chosen to part ways at the peak of his career.
The potential departure is particularly poignant considering Alexander-Arnold's age and the promise he has so much more to achieve in football. This aligns with his own ambitions as he eyes success in Madrid alongside close friend Jude Bellingham, alongside whom he could dominate for years to come.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.