Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially announced that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season, closing the chapter on a two-decade-long journey with the club he has called home since childhood. The 26-year-old defender, a product of Liverpool’s youth academy, shared an emotional farewell message on social media on Monday morning, revealing that he would not be renewing his contract and would instead embark on a new adventure abroad.
“This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life,” Alexander-Arnold wrote. “This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years.”
Move to Real Madrid on the Horizon
While the full terms of his next move have yet to be officially confirmed, multiple reports from Spain indicate that Alexander-Arnold has verbally agreed to a five-year contract with Real Madrid. The deal is reportedly valued at around £7.5 million per year after tax. With his Liverpool contract expiring at the end of the 2024–25 season, he will be joining the Spanish giants on a free transfer.
The transfer marks a major statement of intent from Real Madrid as they continue to strengthen their squad with top-tier international talent. For Alexander-Arnold, the move represents a significant step in his career, both professionally and personally.
“I’ve never known anything else,” he said. “But this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone, and pushing myself further.”
Liverpool’s Efforts to Retain Their Star Defender
Liverpool’s management had reportedly made considerable efforts to keep Alexander-Arnold at Anfield. The club offered him a new deal that would have made him the highest-paid full-back in Premier League history. Despite these efforts, the full-back chose to seek new horizons.
It is believed that the delay in formal contract negotiations, caused in part by recent upheaval within the club’s leadership—including the departure of Jürgen Klopp and the eventual appointment of Arne Slot—played a role in the timing of the decision. Discussions with Alexander-Arnold’s representatives only formally began after Richard Hughes took over as sporting director in June 2024.
Although the conversations were described as respectful and cordial, by March 2025 it became clear that the England international was leaning toward a move abroad. Liverpool had to balance negotiations with several key players during this period and recently secured two-year extensions for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
A Glittering Career in Red
Since making his debut for Liverpool’s senior team in 2016, Alexander-Arnold has become one of the most decorated and influential full-backs in world football. Known for redefining the role with his attacking flair, pinpoint passing, and set-piece mastery, he made over 350 appearances for the Reds.
His trophy cabinet includes two Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League title, a FIFA Club World Cup, and multiple domestic cups. He was also instrumental in Liverpool’s recent campaign, helping them secure their 20th league title—a milestone he referenced in his farewell.
“I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet,” he explained. “But it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No 20.”
A Legend Departs, But Legacy Remains
While his departure will be felt deeply by Liverpool supporters, Alexander-Arnold leaves behind a legacy that will endure. From his youth days at the Kirkby Academy to lifting trophies at Anfield and dazzling fans across Europe, his story remains one of loyalty, ambition, and success.
“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,” he said. “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.”
What’s Next for Liverpool?
Alexander-Arnold’s exit adds another layer of complexity to Arne Slot’s rebuilding project as he enters his second season in charge. Replacing a player of such caliber will be no easy task, both on and off the pitch. The club’s backroom staff will now be tasked with scouting potential successors and shoring up the defense as they prepare for another season of domestic and European competition.
For now, Liverpool fans will have the chance to bid farewell to one of their own in the remaining fixtures of the season. While the departure stings, the prevailing emotion is likely to be one of pride and gratitude.
Alexander-Arnold’s final message to the fans encapsulated that spirit: “My love for this club will never die.”
