Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed that this summer he will leave after 20 years of service after 20 years of service, with the star expected at Real Madrid in the transfer star
Richard Hughes' first phone call after he agreed to become Liverpool's sports director last summer, was Trent Alexander-Arnold. Hughes, who became an official member of Bournemouth in June 2024, made it one of his priorities to keep Alexander-Arnold in the club.
The Liverpool defender, 26, had entered into the last 12 months of his contract alongside teammates Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk. But unlike the duo, Alexander-Arnold has chosen against signing a new deal and will become a member of Real Madrid.
There had already been conversations about his future before the arrival of Hughes. Laverpool made contact with Alexander-Arnold last season to start negotiations with his representatives, while owners Fenway Sports Group started conversations earlier.
Mirror Football understands that the conversations were constructive. The offer presented would have made Alexander-Arnold the best-paid right back in the Premier League and one of the highest earning defenders in the world.
Despite the negotiations that continue, Alexander-Arnold announced the club where he has spent over the past 20 years, that he wanted a new challenge. European champions Real have an approach for the International of England on New Year's Eve, but their interest was strongly rejected by Liverpool.
Anfield Chiefs gave the hope that they could convince Alexander-Arnold to stay, with the Reds still in all four games at the beginning of January and the overwhelming favorites to win the Premier League title. Hughes later sat down for a last failed meeting with the 26-year-old, who informed Liverpool manager Arne Slot a few weeks ago about his decision.
Alexander-Arnold told the world at 10 am on Tuesday. “After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, I leave at the end of the season,” he said in a video posted on social media.
“I think the decision is for me personally. To change the environment, to challenge myself elsewhere. It's not about wanting to find something better. It's about me and my personal journey as a player. I think it's the right time to experience that.
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“People will not be happy about the decision, but I feel that it is something I have to do on my journey and my career. The times I have had here, the memories, the special moments are and will always be the most special moments of my life. And memories that will live with me forever.
“I am eternally grateful for everyone who helped me on the road. Being able to sit here as a double Premier League champion for the club that I love, it's a great end to the story for me. Of course it is very emotional for me. It is all I have ever known, it is all I have ever wanted to do, dreamed of as a child.
“Yes, it's just very emotional if I am honest because the club, the city, the fans, the people have given me things that I could never have dreamed of in my wildest dreams. It is you know, a journey I experienced that millions of people would dream it. I was lucky to have experienced it.
“I will never forget it and I cannot thank everyone enough for the support, the conviction, the great moments we have had. The love I have for this club will never leave, it will never decrease. I will love it forever and I will be debts for the club and the fans you have done for me.
“There is no doubt about it, I will come back. Every chance that I will get, I come to watch games. I will support, I want the club to win and want the club to be successful. Nothing will change. I will always remain a fan of Liverpool.”