Liverpool has confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave the Reds earlier than expected to join Real Madrid.
Yet, given his achievements, the club's farewell statement was surprisingly curt. The homegrown star ascended through Liverpool's youth ranks and became an instrumental player for the first team. He celebrated two Premier League trophies, a Champions League victory, an FA Cup win, and two Carabao Cup triumphs during his tenure at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold had already made public his decision to depart come season's end when his contract ran its course. The consensus was he'd transfer to Madrid for a free, but with the Club World Cup looming, the Spaniards were keen to secure his services immediately to avoid missing him for the group stages.
The desire for prompt involvement from Madrid resulted in an agreement where they'll pay up to £10 million ($13.5m), plus the defender's pending wages, solidifying the transfer on June 1.
In an official statement confirming the details of the move, Liverpool offered thanks to Alexander-Arnold for his contributions, yet the succinct nature of the gratitude caught many off-guard.
"Liverpool FC can confirm an offer has been accepted for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid for his transfer upon the opening of the June transfer window. The full-back is now set to join the La Liga club ahead of the expiry of his Reds contract this summer.
"Liverpool will receive a fee for his services, with the deal to be concluded once the window opens on June 1. Alexander-Arnold joined the club's Academy at the age of six and progressed through the ranks to make his senior competitive debut in October 2016.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool, celebrates with Premier League trophy after his final appearance for Liverpool as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool, celebrates with Premier League trophy after his final appearance for Liverpool as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
"He now departs Anfield after 354 appearances and 23 goals for the club, as well as lifting eight major honours alongside his teammates, which consist of two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups. Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes."
When announcing his decision to not sign a new contract, Alexander-Arnold admitted it had been the 'hardest' call he had ever had to make. The right-back insisted he felt it was the right time to experience a new challenge.
"After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season. This is easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life," he penned on Instagram.
"I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven't spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team's best interests, which was securing No.20.
"This club has been my whole life – my whole world - for 20 years. From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.
"But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally. I've given my all every single day I've been at this club, and I hope you feel like I've given back to you during my time here.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters - for the last 20 years. I've been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I've been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all. My love for this club will never die."