Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer after rejecting a contract that would have made him one of the best-paid full-backs in world football, sources told ESPN. The 26-year-old England international announced his decision in a statement on Monday, ending his 20-year association with the Premier League champions.
\"I\'ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I\'ve ever wanted to here,\" Alexander-Arnold said. \"I\'ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a new change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.\"
Real Madrid Move Expected
Sources told ESPN in March that Real Madrid are \"very optimistic\" about signing Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, though an agreement has not been finalized. The right-back would join England teammate Jude Bellingham at the Spanish giants if the move materializes.
Contract negotiations between Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool began during Jurgen Klopp\'s final season and continued after Arne Slot\'s appointment as manager. According to sources, the discussions led by sporting director Richard Hughes were cordial, but Liverpool accepted earlier this spring that Alexander-Arnold would not commit to a new deal.
The defender, who was appointed vice-captain in 2023, has made 349 appearances for Liverpool since joining the club at age six. During his time at Anfield, he has won seven major trophies including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup.
\"The main thing is a massive thank you [to the supporters],\" Alexander-Arnold added. \"You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there. I\'ve felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me.\"
Alexander-Arnold informed Slot of his decision to leave last month. His departure marks the end of an era for Liverpool\'s homegrown talent who established himself as one of the world\'s premier attacking full-backs with 76 assists during his time with the club.
Via Mark Ogden/ESPN