Trent Alexander-Arnold Announces Shock Departure from Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season to join Real Madrid. Read more about the transfer and his emotional farewell.

In a heartfelt social media post, Trent Alexander-Arnold revealed that he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. The 26-year-old right-back, born and raised in Liverpool, is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, driven by his desire for a “new challenge” after two decades with his hometown club.

A New Chapter with Real Madrid

Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave Liverpool comes after months of speculation about his future. Real Madrid has reportedly been pursuing him since last year, and the transfer is now considered “99% done.” He is expected to sign a five-year contract worth £240,000 per week, making him a key player for the Spanish giants.

The news of Alexander-Arnold's departure has sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing him for leaving Liverpool without a transfer fee. However, others, like Rio Ferdinand, have defended his decision, highlighting his significant contributions to the club and his desire to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Trent Alexander-Arnold announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season in a statement on Monday. “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,” he said, adding that it was “easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life.”

Alexander-Arnold's departure comes as other key players, including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, have had contract discussions with the club. While both Salah and Van Dijk have committed to staying, Alexander-Arnold's exit looms, marking the end of an era for the right-back who came through Liverpool's academy.

He continued: “I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven't spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team's best interests, which was securing No. 20.

“This club has been my whole life - my whole world - for 20 years. From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.

“But, I have never known anything else, and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.

“I've given my all every single day I've been at this club, and I hope you feel like I've given back to you during my time here.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold is a product of Liverpool's academy, making his senior debut in October 2016. Since then, he has gone on to make 352 appearances for the first team, establishing himself as a key player.

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's impressive career at Liverpool is highlighted by numerous titles, including two Premier League titles, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. He has also won two League Cups, the FA Cup, and the Community Shield, cementing his legacy as one of the club's top players.

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters - for the last 20 years.

“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

“I've been blessed enough to live out my dreams here, and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I've been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all. My love for this club will never die.”

A deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid has yet to be formalized, but the Spanish club's long-standing interest in him is well-documented. Real Madrid emerged as the most likely destination for Alexander-Arnold after making an approach to sign him in the January transfer window.

Liverpool rejected the offer at the time, prioritizing their pursuit of the Premier League title, which they ultimately secured last month. The club's decision to reject the offer has now given way to Alexander-Arnold's departure at the end of the season.