Liverpool Vice-Captain Set to Join Real Madrid After Emotional Departure
Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, ending a 20-year association with the club he joined as a six-year-old.
The 26-year-old, whose contract expires on June 30, is widely expected to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer. In an emotional statement posted on social media, Alexander-Arnold described the decision as the “hardest” of his life.
“This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years,” he wrote. “But this decision is about experiencing a new challenge and stepping outside of my comfort zone, both professionally and personally.”
Decorated Legacy at Anfield
Since his debut in 2016, Alexander-Arnold has made 352 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 23 goals and winning eight major trophies. His honours include two Premier League titles, the 2019 Champions League, the FA Cup, and two League Cups.
Originally developed as a midfielder in the academy, he was converted into a right-back under Jürgen Klopp and went on to redefine the position with his playmaking ability and set-piece delivery.
Liverpool Tried to Keep Him
Liverpool made multiple attempts to retain the defender, with sporting director Richard Hughes leading negotiations throughout the season. While Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk both signed new deals, Alexander-Arnold declined to renew.
The club rejected a January approach from Real Madrid and offered to make him one of the highest-paid defenders in Premier League history, but sources say the player was determined to embrace a new challenge abroad.
Why He Waited to Speak
Alexander-Arnold explained that he delayed his announcement to avoid distracting from Liverpool’s title run. “I didn’t want anything to take away from the team’s focus,” he said. “Now that we’ve won the league, I feel it’s the right time to be honest with the fans.”
He leaves Liverpool on a high, having played a key role in their 20th league title, and will also vacate his position as vice-captain — with Mohamed Salah reportedly being considered for the role next season.
A New Chapter Awaits
Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid will see him become the latest in a long line of Premier League stars to head for the Bernabéu. The Spanish club are said to have offered a lucrative deal that includes image rights and commercial incentives.
For Liverpool fans, it marks the end of an era — but also the legacy of a hometown talent who reached the pinnacle with the club he loved.
Contract expires: June 30, 2025 | Expected next club: Real Madrid