Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced he will leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season, paving the way for a free transfer to Real Madrid. The 26-year-old confirmed the decision on social media on Monday, having informed head coach Arne Slot at the end of March that he would not sign a new deal. He is believed to have verbally agreed a five-year contract with Real Madrid worth around £7.5m a year after tax, according to reports in Spain.
Alexander-Arnold's departure as a free agent is a major setback for Liverpool, although the club believes it did everything possible to retain the homegrown defender. He was offered a new contract that would have made him the best-paid full-back in the Premier League and one of the highest-paid in the world. However, the player's desire for a fresh challenge ultimately outweighed the financial and sporting package on offer at Anfield.
Negotiations over a new deal did not formally begin until Slot's appointment in May 2024, with sporting director Richard Hughes making the first approach in June. Talks remained cordial, but by March it became clear that Alexander-Arnold was set on a move to Spain. Liverpool will now lose him for nothing, though they could receive a compensation fee if he joins Real before his contract expires on 30 June.
In a statement, Alexander-Arnold said: '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’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.'
The defender joined Liverpool's academy at age six and made his first-team debut in October 2016. He has made 352 appearances, scoring 23 goals and winning the Champions League, two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup. Liverpool said he will depart 'with our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success.'
