Trent Alexander-Arnold looks increasingly likely to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, and Gary Lineker has urged Liverpool fans to accept his decision.
The 26-year-old’s contract at Anfield expires in June, and despite Liverpool rejecting a £15 million bid from Real Madrid in January, reports suggest the England star is now on the verge of sealing a move to the Spanish giants.
However, not all Liverpool supporters have been pleased with how the situation has unfolded.
Lineker: “A fabulous move for him”
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker defended Alexander-Arnold, stating that such an opportunity is impossible to ignore.
He said: “It looks like it might happen, but we’re not sure yet. 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. 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.”
Lineker, who spent three years at Barcelona, highlighted the Spanish footballing culture, suggesting Real Madrid fans will appreciate Trent’s attacking brilliance more than his critics in England.
He said: “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.”
Shearer defends Trent amid criticism
Liverpool legend Alan Shearer also backed Alexander-Arnold’s right to leave, emphasising that the right-back has given everything to the club and owes fans no explanation.
Shearer said: “I don’t get the criticism. He’s entitled to do whatever he wants. He has given that football club absolutely everything.
“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.”
What next for Liverpool?
While Alexander-Arnold’s potential exit is grabbing headlines, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also face uncertain futures, with their contracts set to expire this summer.
The departures of key figures could significantly impact Arne Slot’s ability to build on Liverpool’s success in his first season.
For now, all eyes remain on Alexander-Arnold’s next move – and whether Liverpool fans will grant him the farewell Lineker and Shearer believe he deserves.