Alexander-Arnold Ditches Liverpool for Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially announced that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, something many fans had suspected for months.

Even though he didn’t mention his next club in his emotional farewell video, it is widely known that he will join his England teammate and friend, Jude Bellingham, at Real Madrid.

By announcing his departure now, Alexander-Arnold has shown respect to Liverpool supporters. He could have waited until after the Premier League title celebration on May 26, but instead, he made the news public with two home matches remaining.

These include games against Arsenal and Crystal Palace, when Liverpool will celebrate their 20th English league title.

Still, many Liverpool fans are shocked and confused that their local hero, known affectionately as “the Scouser in our team,” is leaving his childhood club for free.

Some held onto hope after his passionate goal celebration against Leicester City in April, where he lifted his shirt on a corner flag, but his silence during post-match interviews hinted at his true intentions.

His last match at Anfield on May 25 will surely bring mixed emotions from fans and teammates. However, ending his Liverpool journey as a title winner might soften the sadness and disappointment.

Some fans have questioned the timing of his decision. Liverpool are currently strong and competing for top trophies, while Real Madrid, beaten 5-1 by Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, seem to be in a rebuilding phase. Legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti is also expected to leave soon. So why move now?

The answer is simple: the pull of Real Madrid is powerful. In 2023, Bellingham chose them over several top clubs, saying, “When Real Madrid knock on the door, the whole house shakes.”

Real’s £20 million bid in January, rejected by Liverpool was a clear signal of their intent. Alexander-Arnold later met new coach Arne Slot to confirm he wouldn’t renew his contract.

His final season hasn’t been easy, with injuries and constant speculation about his future. One low point came during a shaky performance against Manchester United in January, after news of Madrid’s bid broke.

Still, Alexander-Arnold has been vital to Liverpool’s success. Since his debut in 2016, he’s played 352 matches, scored 23 goals, and delivered 86 assists. He helped Liverpool win the Champions League, two Premier League titles, and other major trophies.