A trip down Trent-Alexander Arnold’s Liverpool neighborhood

AS visits Clubmoor, where TAA went from child to star. The locals hope he will reject Madrid's advances: “I'd rather leave!” says a neighbor.

Born and raised in Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold has played for his hometown club all his life – since joining the youth academy in 1998 at the age of six. The boy from Clubmoor, where he is a local hero.

He represents the most powerful thing for every little child: dreams can come true. From kick-arounds in alleys and parks, overlooking Anfield, it is possible to become an Anfield idol.

The local community is well aware that Trent could potentially leave this summer – perhaps to Real Madrid, the team Liverpool face in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

AS visits Clubmoor, the neighborhood where he grew from child to star. And talk to the locals who are extremely proud of their famous son, and would be traumatized if he ever left.

Trent's contract expires in June and he can start talks with other clubs from January 1. Real Madrid, who are scouring the markets for a right-back to replace their own local boy, Dani Carvajal, have been strongly linked with the Liverpool defender.

Alexander-Arnold's Clubmoor neighbors, who spoke to AS about the situation, are making their thoughts known loud and clear. They don't want him to leave and hope he renews.

Trent is their standard-bearer, the player featured in one of the emblematic murals around the corner of Anfield – which includes the statement: “I'm just a normal boy from Liverpool who has seen his dream come true.”

TAA's solidarity with the community

To this day, his contract has still not been renewed… The buzz in and around Clubmoor is undeniable, although people on the streets refuse to believe it: “I can't believe he's leaving, it can't be like that are. break my heart. Trent is our neighbor.” That word often comes up when the discussion turns to Alexander-Arnold: 'Neighbor', a trending topic on that strange social network that is real life. People empathize with his story, just as he does with his own people. He regularly collaborates with the San Andrés Community Network, a social shelter in his neighborhood that collects and distributes basic goods to those most in need.

And it's a common misconception that footballers never forget their origins, but in Trent's case it's completely true. He's just a normal guy. Humble, human. But also very popular.

Today, Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid lands in his home city, but without knowing whether they will play him. He is nursing a hamstring injury and has yet to return to full team training. Reds manager Arne Slot is unlikely to take any risks. “His return will be between Real Madrid and Manchester City (next Sunday),” the Dutchman said. For now, that's all we know. Everything will become clearer after this afternoon's press conference, but as it stands, it looks like Conor Bradley will be the deputy.

Bellingham, his good friend

In the meantime, the morbid curiosity is there. Alexander-Arnold has not extended his contract and, at 26, Madrid views him as a galactic reinforcement: an England international available for free. A player with a golden future.

Trent, the most valuable right back in the world, (70 million euros according to Transfermarkt) dreams of making his mark in football history. And with a right hand that almost fell from the sky… Jude Bellingham and Trent are best friends. Liverpool have every reason to be concerned, even if some refute this. Perhaps some of it is simple denial, but on Merseyside the tension is palpable.

Unity nearby

“I'm leaving first!” exclaims Clubmoor resident Kate as she takes her pet Shih Tzu for a walk past the church. The dog barks and apparently doesn't like Trent packing his bags. A metaphor for unanimity. Nearby, two enormous fields have been transformed into ten football fields. Since today is a Monday morning, there are no children playing – that would have been a bad sign. But on weekends it is full of kids playing football and dreaming of becoming the next “local boy who has seen his dream come true”. Trent played on the exact same fields. And he showed them the way.

“It's not just about money”

“Some people need to learn that not everything in life is about money,” says one family, ending the conversation.

“Aren't you afraid he hasn't renewed yet?” we ask Johannes. His response: “I think it is normal for the boy to have doubts, to stop and think is human; but I know he will do the right thing in the end. Does that mean I have to stay? we answer. “Yes, and for years,” he concludes. As we walk away, he turns and shouts, smiling, “Trent stays! The word of a neighbor.

Another one in a neighborhood with humble and simple people, but still close. Some warmth in a cold region, because the country is generally. An oasis that serves as a springboard for many. You'll Never Walk Alone flags start in the streets, pointing like a yellow brick road to the stadium.

The metaphor may be a thoughtful message, but it is real. Alexander-Arnold is not just any English player. He's the boy from Clubmoor. A local boy did it right, a neighbor. His people don't want him to leave. No one, from children to the elderly. Madrid and Bellingham, yes. Let it be for now.