Trent Alexander-Arnold is preparing to part ways with Liverpool when the season ends, bringing an end to his time at Anfield as he looks ahead to a new chapter—likely in Spain with Real Madrid.
The defender, who has been with Liverpool since childhood, has decided not to renew his contract and will leave on a free transfer.
After nearly two decades with his hometown club, Alexander-Arnold believes it is the right time for a change. Despite productive talks with Liverpool about a new contract, he chose not to follow in the footsteps of teammates like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who both committed their futures to the club. The 26-year-old says his decision is about seeking new challenges, not money, as Liverpool’s offer would have placed him among the highest-paid full-backs in the sport.
Efforts to retain him were led by sporting director Richard Hughes, who made discussions with the right-back a top priority from the moment he stepped into the role. Hughes opened talks well before taking official charge, and although Alexander-Arnold respected new manager Arne Slot and enjoyed their interactions, he ultimately told the club he would move on.
Real Madrid first expressed their interest ahead of the January transfer window, but Liverpool turned down the approach. While no official agreement has been signed yet, all signs point to the England international wearing white at the Santiago Bernabéu next season.
Alexander-Arnold leaves behind a decorated career at Liverpool, having played over 350 matches since his senior debut in 2016. He scored 23 goals, the latest coming in a recent match against Leicester. During his time with the club, he helped secure a Premier League title, Champions League crown, FA Cup, Club World Cup, and two Carabao Cups.
His exit will open a gap in the squad, and attention will now turn to Conor Bradley, who could step up as the team’s first-choice right-back. Alternatively, Liverpool may look to bring in reinforcements during the summer transfer window to fill the void left by one of their most successful academy graduates.