Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially announced his departure from Liverpool Football Club at the conclusion of the current season.
The decorated right-back concludes a highly successful tenure with Liverpool, having secured numerous major honors including two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
A native of Liverpool, the 26-year-old joined the club`s academy at the age of six and rose through the ranks to become one of their most successful homegrown talents, making his senior debut in 2016 at 18.
After amassing over 350 appearances for his boyhood club, he is now poised to move to Spain to embark on the next phase of his career.
The England international full-back has been widely reported to be joining Real Madrid. Speculation suggests he has agreed to a five-year contract with the La Liga powerhouse, reportedly worth £240,000 per week, plus a significant signing bonus. Further reports from Spain on Monday indicated that a six-year deal with Madrid might be on offer.
Liverpool supporters had awaited clarity on Alexander-Arnold`s future, with speculation intensifying following contract extensions for key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Alexander-Arnold has now addressed these concerns, confirming his departure via an emotional statement on social media, released shortly after Liverpool secured their second Premier League title during his time there.
Trent Alexander-Arnold`s Statement
“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.”
“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.”
Liverpool Football Club issued a concise statement acknowledging his departure: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has informed Liverpool FC of his intention to leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his current contract. The 26-year-old will bring his two-decade-long association with the Reds to an end having made the decision to depart Anfield once his deal ceases on June 30, 2025.” The club added, “Alexander-Arnold will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success.”
Despite previous speculation about a potential contract extension, the player ultimately decided against remaining. This contrasts with recent developments where both Salah and Van Dijk signed new deals keeping them at the club until 2027.
According to reports, Alexander-Arnold communicated his decision to leave to manager Arne Slot during a meeting at the Kirkby training complex in March, following an ankle injury sustained in a Champions League match. Slot reportedly expressed disappointment but accepted the decision, stating, “You’re a huge part of this team and let’s end it on a high together.” Alexander-Arnold responded, “My mindset and commitment won’t change. I’ll continue to give everything for this club until the final day.”
Reports also suggested that his uncertainty about a new contract began to surface last season, with formal talks only commencing the previous April. While he reportedly understood the delay due to the new sporting director Richard Hughes recently starting, he privately questioned whether the 2024/25 season would mark his last at Anfield.
Despite this, one of Hughes` first actions was reportedly contacting Alexander-Arnold`s representatives, and subsequent offers were made that would have positioned him as the highest-paid defender in the Premier League.
Although Real Madrid has not yet made an official announcement, he is widely expected to move to the Spanish capital and join his close friend and England teammate, Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid had reportedly considered signing Alexander-Arnold in January to provide cover for the injured Dani Carvajal. However, he chose to remain at Liverpool until the end of the season, concluding his time there with another Premier League winner`s medal.
Alexander-Arnold is set to become the seventh English player to represent Real Madrid. He joins an exclusive group including Laurie Cunningham, Steve McManaman, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Jonathan Woodgate, and Jude Bellingham.
English Players Who Have Joined Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join an exclusive club of Englishmen to play for Real Madrid.
Here`s a look at how some of his predecessors fared:
Laurie Cunningham (1979-1984)
Signed from West Brom for £950,000, Cunningham was an instant success, scoring twice on his debut. He helped Real win La Liga in 1980 and reached the European Cup final in 1981. After loan spells and moves to other clubs, he tragically died in a car crash in Madrid in 1989 at age 33.
Steve McManaman (1999-2003)
Joining from Liverpool on a free transfer, McManaman became a fan favorite for his flair and work rate. He won six trophies in four years, including scoring in the 2000 Champions League final victory. He left for Manchester City in 2003 and later became a football pundit.
David Beckham (2003-2007)
Manchester United`s superstar joined as a `Galactico`. Despite the team not winning the Champions League during his tenure, Beckham was appreciated for his professionalism and quality. He won the La Liga title in 2007 before moving to LA Galaxy.
