By John Boston
Liverpool FC have expressed their ‘gratitude’ to Trent Alexander-Arnold after the 26-year-old confirmed his long-expected decision to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
A statement from the club on Monday read: “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.
“Alexander-Arnold will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success.”
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Mixed reactions to Alexander-Arnold’s decision
Reaction to Alexander-Arnold’s decision from former Liverpool players was mixed.
Jamie Carragher, who with 737 appearances for the Reds was the epitome of a one-man club, was concerned that the England’s star’s standing among the Anfield faithful would be slightly diminished by the nature of his departure.
He told The Daily Telegraph: “With Monday’s statement, the unconditional support Alexander-Arnold enjoyed from the Kop when he was fully committed to Liverpool has gone.
“Players are loved even more when they genuinely mean it when they say they do not want to play for anyone else. If that image of the home-grown talent living the dream is an illusion, people feel let down.”
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, however, had nothing but praise for Alexander-Arnold.
He posted on Instagram: “What a journey! It’s been amazing to see you grow as a player and a person over the years.
“Thank you for everything and good luck with the next chapter… just keep being you and challenging yourself everyday! The scouser in our team!”
Alexander-Arnold’s current team-mates also paid tribute.
Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson all used the same word – “legend” – while Harvey Elliott added: “Unbelievable player! Even better guy. Trent Alexander-Arnold Enjoy it brother. Thank you!”
Slot ponders right-back options
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who was reportedly informed of Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave in early spring, will now turn his thoughts to who will fill the right-back position next season.
Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley is in pole position, having been hugely impressive whenever called upon to deputise for Alexander-Arnold.
But given the fact that 21-year-old is yet to complete a full season as a professional footballer for the Reds, it would be no surprise to see Slot enter the transfer market.
Early media speculation has linked Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries with moves to Anfield.
Real Madrid keen to make early move
Alexander-Arnold’s next destination will almost certainly be Real Madrid and reports on Tuesday emerged that the La Liga giants are keen to have him in their squad for the start of the Club World Cup in the USA in June.
Real’s first group game in the new 32-team tournament kicks off against Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal on June 18, but any move for Alexander-Arnold before his official June 30 departure date would mean Madrid would have to pay a transfer fee to Liverpool.
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