Is Trent Alexander-Arnold Right To Leave Liverpool?

Sports editor Lauren Shiels discusses whether Trent Alexander-Arnold is right to have left boyhood club Liverpool for Real Madrid.

So, the worst kept secret is out; Trent Alexander-Arnold is a Real Madrid player. It has been a long time coming with countless headlines worldwide. After securing the title with Liverpool, Trent announced his departure from his boyhood club. Many fans have been furious about the defenders decision; he was heavily booed when coming on as a substitute against Arsenal. In his departure video he said: “it’s the hardest decision he’s ever made.” Was his decision right?

The triumph of winning the 2024/25 Premier League title – this time with fans present at Anfield – was Trent’s final challenge to conquer. One victory each in the FA Cup, League, Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. Simply put, he has won it all.

354 appearances. 23 goals. 92 assists. He has served the club well – and yet, he’s still only 26. In the modern era, there are very few one club men. Brighton captain Lewis Dunk is the only player in the Premier League currently to have played for just one club. Being a one club man is certainly a thing in the past. But remember Steven Gerrard’s head was turned by Chelsea. Frank Lampard and John Terry left Chelsea. They all remain club legends. There’s no reason why Trent can’t remain one too.

Playing careers are short so it’s vital to make the most of it. As we said earlier, Trent’s won everything at Liverpool at just 26. He’s yet to reach his prime. He could complete it all again with Liverpool or try something new. Trent chose something new. Experiencing life in Los Blancos. A new country. A new language. A new culture.

And what player turns down Real Madrid? One of the greatest clubs in the world. The chance to become a Galactico. The chance to join England compatriot Jude Bellingham. The chance to be led by ex-Liverpool Xabi Alonso. The echoes of David Beckham and Michael Owen are impossible to resist.

The creative no.66 would be a shoo-in for the right-back position. Alonso’s style of play is to attack quickly with full-backs used as wide crossers. That’s perfect for Trent. His passing ability is second to none. His competition for right-back is 33 year-old vice-captain Dani Carvajal who is recovering from a long-term knee injury. An undisputed legend at Real Madrid but perhaps one ready to pass the baton over.

The calls for ‘doing the dirty’ and leaving on a free. Well technically, he left for £10 million as Madrid paid to release him early for the Club World Cup. Can I just remind fans that he doesn’t owe the club anything, and he also arrived on a free. He’s an academy product.

But ‘he’s the scouser in our team.’ A local lad and academy product. It appears there’s greater pressure on local players moving on. I get there is a general detachment with local players now decreasing in the Premier League. Only 28 players played more than 10 matches for their clubs who were born within 20 miles of their home stadiums. Alarming number really. Perhaps he wouldn’t have been scrutinised as much as if he wasn’t from Liverpool.

But there’s nothing quite like hearing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in the Kop end. Real Madrid might be a big club, but are there fans like Liverpool?

But are you actually going to win a Ballon D’or at Real Madrid? Trent said last year he wanted to win it and be the first full-back to do so too. Given he’s now playing for a Madrid side boasting an attack of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior. Surely his assists to them will only help aid their quests for the trophy?

And what about his opening speech. Talking seamlessly in Spanish. It’s almost as if he’d been learning it for months…

So, is Trent Alexander-Arnold right to leave Liverpool?

Almost every professional footballer moves clubs at least once. That’s okay. It is also okay for fans to wish players stayed at their clubs. It’s okay that fans are disappointed he didn’t renew his contract.  Who wouldn’t want Trent to play for their club? Who wouldn’t want to witness his audacious passing? It’s also okay that Trent wants to play somewhere new with a new lifestyle.

He will always be Liverpool but he’s allowed to move on. One move doesn’t wipe away 20 years of service

.

He will always be known as no.66.

We can’t take away his free-kick on his European debut. We can’t take away that corner taken quickly versus Barcelona. We can’t take away that late left-footed winner against Leicester.

20 years. Gave it everything. Thank you.

Buena Sueta (Good Luck).