Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool at the end of the season to join Real Madrid, a move that has stirred intense debate among the Reds’ faithful. After over two decades at the club, the right-back will depart on a free transfer, a detail that many fans are finding hard to accept.

A controversial exit

The news of his free move to Madrid has dominated headlines in England, with fans and pundits alike questioning whether his legacy at Anfield will be remembered for his brilliant service or tarnished by the way he's leaving. Unlike stars like Luis Suárez, Philippe Coutinho, or Fernando Torres, who all left big transfer fees behind, Alexander-Arnold will depart without generating income for the club that raised him.

Reports suggest that Real Madrid made a lucrative offer in January, but Liverpool rejected it, allowing the player to finish the season with the potential of winning the Premier League—a title he could finally lift in front of fans, unlike the pandemic-era triumph in 2020.

Silence, leaks, and a clear destination

While contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk have been widely reported, Alexander-Arnold opted for silence. The lack of clarity, coupled with consistent leaks, has led many supporters to believe he never intended to renew and had long set his sights on joining Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.

To add fuel to the fire, a viral video resurfaced in which Alexander-Arnold claimed that if he had to support another club besides Liverpool, it would be Barcelona—not Madrid. For some fans, this contradiction has only deepened the sense of betrayal.

A return filled with tension

Alexander-Arnold is expected to return to action on April 2, in the Merseyside derby against Everton. The reception at Anfield is expected to be mixed—some fans will cheer the player who delivered unforgettable moments like the iconic corner to Origi in the 2019 Champions League semifinal; others may view his departure as a personal letdown.

What’s certain is that his departure has struck a nerve. It’s the end of an era at Anfield, and Alexander-Arnold’s goodbye is proving to be as emotional as it is divisive.