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Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. A move to Real Madrid is now expected soon. The 26-year-old defender made the announcement today, ending his long time with his boyhood club.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The England international announced his Liverpool departure, calling it “the hardest decision I’ve ever made.” Alexander-Arnold spent his entire career with the Merseyside club, coming through their academy. Real Madrid is expected to sign him on a free transfer, even though no contract has been signed yet. Liverpool couldn’t reach an agreement with the defender, despite extending contracts for other key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk this season.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool as a club legend, having played 352 games and winning many trophies. His Liverpool honors include two Premier League titles (including the most recent one this season), a Champions League trophy in 2019, the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, two Carabao Cups, one FA Cup, and one Community Shield. His departure is a big blow for Liverpool, who get no fee for a player widely considered one of the world’s best right-backs.
Real Madrid have wanted Alexander-Arnold for some time. They looked to sign him before his contract expiration. The Spanish giants are adding another top talent to their squad, continuing their strategy of recruiting elite players on free transfers, following similar moves like Kylian Mbappé in recent years.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?
After finishing the Premier League season with Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is expected to finalize his move to Real Madrid. This could happen during the special transfer window from June 1-10, set for the revamped Club World Cup in the summer of 2025. At Madrid, he joins a star-studded squad aiming to stay dominant in both Spanish and European football. For Alexander-Arnold, this is a new challenge after spending his entire career at Liverpool, offering a chance to win more prestigious trophies.
LIVERPOOL’S CHALLENGE AHEAD
The Reds now face the challenge of replacing one of their most creative players. Alexander-Arnold’s playmaking from right-back has been key to Liverpool’s success in recent seasons. His passing and set-piece skills are hard to match. As Liverpool prepares for life without one of their homegrown stars, the club must act wisely in the transfer market to stay competitive in both domestic and European competitions next season.
