Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old is expected to join Real Madrid after opting to end his two decade-long spell with his hometown club.
Alexander-Arnold said: “I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here.
“Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a new change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.”
One of the best right-backs in the world
Having joined the club at the age of six, Alexander-Arnold has made 352 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 23 goals, and established himself as one of the best right-backs in world football.
He has helped the Reds to eight major trophies, including two Premier League titles and the 2019 Champions League.
His refusal to sign a new deal has led to a backlash from supporters, however, especially with Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk taking a different decision and penning new contracts at Anfield.
“I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s interview ⤵️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 5, 2025
Trent’s message for the fans
Asked to address the supporters on the official club channels, he said: “There’s a lot I would like to say. The main thing is a massive thank you. You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there.
“I’ve felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me, I’ve loved every single minute of it. I hope they have felt that has been reciprocated and that I’ve given everything I could to the club.
“I’m just hoping that we’re able to carry on winning games, the noise [around my decision] doesn’t take away from the fact of what we’ve achieved this season.
“It has been an amazing season. It has been amazing to be part of it and I just hope that everyone is able to maybe not dwell on this news for too long and be able to celebrate what the rest of the lads have done.”
After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.
This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.
I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this… pic.twitter.com/emAw5RvXq0
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) May 5, 2025
Alexander-Arnold Bernabeu bound
Alexander-Arnold’s next move will likely be to the Santiago Bernabeu with Madrid known to be long-time admirers.
Right-back is also a position they have struggled with ever since Dani Carvajal tore an anterior cruciate ligament in October, ruling him out for the rest of this season.
Lucas Vazquez, who normally operates on the right wing, has filled in, as has key midfielder Fede Valverde.
Snapping up Alexander-Arnold also extends Madrid’s policy of signing the best out-of-contract players on the continent following last summer’s acquisition of Kylian Mbappe.
