Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms Liverpool departure and set to join Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he is leaving Liverpool after two decades, describing it as the 'hardest decision of his life.' The 26-year-old, who won eight major honors with his boyhood club, is set to join Real Madrid as a free agent, seeking a new challenge despite Liverpool's offer to make him one of the world's highest-paid full-backs.
After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, including climbing through the youth ranks since age six, Trent Alexander-Arnold, 26, has officially confirmed he will depart Anfield at the end of the season. The decorated homegrown star is widely expected to join Spanish giants Real Madrid as a free agent, a move he has long been linked with.
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Liverpool had reportedly made significant efforts to retain their key player, offering him a new contract that would have positioned him as the "best paid full-back in the Premier League" and among the "highest paid full-backs in the world." However, despite formal negotiations commencing after Arne Slot's confirmation as manager, and with involvement from new Sporting Director Richard Hughes, the club was ultimately "unable to convince" Alexander-Arnold to extend his highly successful career at Anfield, unlike teammates like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. He communicated his decision to leave to manager Arne Slot "a few weeks ago."
'Hardest decision I've ever made in my life'
Alexander-Arnold announced his departure this morning via social media, stating it was "easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life." He explained his delay in speaking about it was intentional, aimed at keeping focus on the team's performance and securing their 20th league title. He described Liverpool as his "whole life – my whole world" for two decades, expressing profound gratitude for the support received throughout his journey from the academy to the first team.
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His primary motivation for leaving is to seek a "new challenge," to step "out of my comfort zone," and to push himself professionally and personally. He conveyed feeling that he gave his "all every single day" for the club and hoped fans felt he "gave back." He extended heartfelt thanks to everyone connected with Liverpool, stating he was "blessed enough to live out my dreams here" and his "love for this club will never die."
Alexander-Arnold made his first-team debut in October 2016 and has since made 352 appearances, scoring 23 goals and winning eight major honors, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles. His link to Real Madrid has been persistent, reinforced by a rejected £20m bid from the Spanish club on New Year's Eve. His departure marks the end of an era for both the player and Liverpool.
