Gary Neville has taken issue with Real Madrid's approach for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January but defended the right-back against one specific thing the Liverpool fanbase has criticised him for
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Gary Neville
Gary Neville slammed Real Madrid's approach to buy Trent Alexander-Arnold in January
(Image: The Overlap/Sky Sports)
Gary Neville has slammed Real Madrid's attempt to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January. But the Manchester United legend also said he "doesn't agree" with Liverpool supporters who think the defender should have signed a new contract in January just so his boyhood club could get a transfer fee for him.
Alexander-Arnold officially ended all speculation about his future by confirming his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season, once his contract runs out.
The 26-year-old, who joined the Anfield side as a six-year-old, is expected to sign for Spanish giants Real Madrid. It marks the end of a long saga which saw the right-back booed by his own frustrated supporters on Sunday after making an appearance off the bench against Arsenal.
Liverpool fans have expressed their anger for several reasons, ranging from the fact Alexander-Arnold is set to join a major European rival to the fact that the Reds will now receive a transfer fee for the star.
Liverpool legend Carragher echoed that sentiment on The Overlap Fan Debate, emphasising how the absence of a transfer fee, considering Liverpool's role in developing his talent, has tarnished his reputation among the fanbase.
But Neville pointed out that the Reds had the opportunity to get money for him in January when Los Blancos offered £20million in the transfer window, meaning they can’t take their anger out on the player. He did, however, strongly criticise the manner of Real Madrid’s approach in making a low offer during Liverpool’s Premier League title pursuit.
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Neville said: “Liverpool could have taken £20m for him in January which was four months before the end of his contract. I know that was something they were never going to do but they could’ve got money for him.
“I thought it was a bit provocative from Real Madrid. I thought it was a p***-take to be honest with you but they [Liverpool] could’ve got £20m for him. It would have risked them winning the league but they could’ve got cash for him.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold in action during Liverpool vs Arsenal
Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool departure at the end of this season has not gone down well with Reds fans
(Image: AP)
He went on to defend Alexander-Arnold by saying: “[Liverpool] weren’t willing to risk their position to get £20m but they wanted him to risk his position by signing a contract."
Neville made clear: "That’s the bit I don't agree with. I don’t think he should’ve signed a contract just so the club got money.”
Carragher suggested in January that the player or his agents might have had a hand in prompting Real Madrid's bid. The former Reds centre-back told Neville: "They're bullies, Real Madrid.
“My problem with it is, they have bid on the back of Trent Alexander-Arnold or his agent saying, ‘Put a bid in.' Because they wouldn't put a bid in, they wouldn't do that unless they get the say so.
Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher has been vocal on the Trent Alexander-Arnold saga
(Image: Sky Sports)
“But all those parties know Liverpool are going to turn that down anyway, so what are you trying to create? What noise are you (trying to make)? Liverpool are not going to sell Trent in January going for a league title.
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“What I'm saying is, let's not be naive here. No one puts bids in now unless they've already spoken to the player about it. If it gets accepted, would you come? People know before they put bids in.
“I think for that to come out when it did, I was not happy about that at all. For me, we're probably not the best people to speak to about this because we've never been involved in a transfer and we're probably two of the biggest club men who always put the club first.”
Neville added: “You know when you bid £20m for that player, you know a club like Liverpool are not going to accept that bid. So you're almost in some ways insulting them, you are.”