"A situation that anyone can see is frustrating."
Liverpool of the English Premier League (PL) announced on the 5th (Korean time) that "Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave the team due to the expiration of his contract. He has decided to leave Liverpool when his contract ends on June 30." It noted, "He has been dedicated, and now his relationship with Liverpool has come to an end."
Alexander-Arnold, a product of Liverpool's academy representing the club, will see his contract with Liverpool end this season. He has not worn another jersey since joining the Liverpool youth team in 2004. Since making his professional debut in 2016, he has recorded 349 games, 22 goals, and 87 assists.
Alexander-Arnold has excelled as Liverpool's primary right-back, showcasing tremendous kicking power. He has contributed to the team's success by winning titles in all competitions, including the Premier League (PL), the UEFA Champions League (UCL), and the FA Cup. This season, he is also leading the team as a vice-captain.
He has repeatedly shown his loyalty to Liverpool. After being appointed as Liverpool's vice-captain in the summer of 2023, Alexander-Arnold stated, "My goal has always been to be the captain of Liverpool. Right now, I am part of that process." Naturally, Liverpool fans continue to envision a future with Alexander-Arnold.
However, Alexander-Arnold has been reluctant to sign a new contract with Liverpool, leaving fans anxious. Despite his contract expiring in the summer of 2025, no new updates have surfaced. Last October, he remarked, "Winning the Ballon d'Or is better than winning the UCL." Frustrated Liverpool fans began to boo Alexander-Arnold who has been underperforming.
Ultimately, the feared event occurred. Alexander-Arnold is set to wear a Real Madrid jersey this coming summer. This has been confirmed by not only Relevo but also respected media outlets and journalists in Europe, including BBC, Daily Mail, The Athletic, Sky Sports, and Fabrizio Romano.
According to Romano, Alexander-Arnold has always been Real Madrid's number one target. In the last January transfer window, Real Madrid proposed a transfer fee of €25 million (approximately 39.6 billion won) to Liverpool. It was essentially a warning. However, Liverpool rejected the offer and attempted to change Alexander-Arnold's mind but ultimately failed.
Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes recently reported that Liverpool prepared a massive five-year proposal worth £80 million (approximately 154.5 billion won) to retain Arnold. However, as has been reported for a long time, Alexander-Arnold is headed to Real Madrid.
As various reputable media outlets confirmed the news, the official announcement was made. Liverpool's official website acknowledged the farewell and Alexander-Arnold expressed through his social media, "Now that I have spent 20 years at the club Liverpool, it is time for me to leave. This is the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life," and emphasized, "I appreciate the support. Even after leaving, I will love this club."
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will negotiate with Liverpool regarding Arnold. Spanish outlet Marca stated, "Real will seek to negotiate with Liverpool to take him to the Club World Cup, separate from signing Arnold as a free agent," adding, "Real will attend the Club World Cup, but Liverpool will not. Therefore, Real requested Liverpool to allow Arnold to join them at the Club World Cup. If Liverpool agrees, Real will pay some monetary compensation."
With this situation developing, the sentiment among Liverpool fans toward Alexander-Arnold is further declining. Former Liverpool defender and commentator Jamie Carragher explained, "Liverpool should focus on winning the league and UEFA Champions League (UCL) titles," regarding the reasons behind such criticism.
Carragher stated, "Therefore, Liverpool fans can express dissatisfaction with any actions that weaken their goals. That’s why it seems they have such primitive anger towards Alexander-Arnold leaving. Alexander-Arnold leaving represents a weakening of the team's strength. Considering he is a youth product, fans' emotions are bound to sway."
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