Liverpool fans have reacted with fury as Trent Alexander-Arnold edges closer to a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer.
The 26-year-old defender, whose contract expires at the end of the season, appears set to join the Spanish champions despite Liverpool’s efforts to secure his future.
Reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Mail Sport suggest the move is increasingly likely, with sources in Spain claiming the deal is “all set and done”.
Alexander-Arnold has been able to speak with overseas clubs since January, when his contract entered its final six months.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Liverpool at the end of the season for nothingReuters
Real Madrid had a £20million bid rejected for the England international in January, but have remained confident of securing his signature.
The Spanish giants have been legally permitted to negotiate with Alexander-Arnold since the start of the year, with club president Florentino Perez keen to respect Liverpool during the process.
The news has sparked outrage among Liverpool supporters, with many taking to social media to demand Alexander-Arnold be dropped for the remainder of the season.
“Personally I’d be dropping Trent for the rest of the season. Don’t let him be part of the end of the season. Don’t let him say his goodbyes,” one fan wrote.
Another added: “Don’t let him play another game. Don’t even let him in Anfield when we lift the title.”
Fans have also called for Alexander-Arnold to be stripped of his vice-captaincy, which he was awarded in summer 2023.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the season
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Alexander-Arnold’s potential departure is particularly painful for Liverpool fans given his status as a homegrown talent who joined the club aged six.
He has made 349 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 22 goals and providing 87 assists.
During his time at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold has won eight trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Many have heralded the defender as one of the best full-backs to have ever played in the Premier League.
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Liverpool fans are not happy with Trent Alexander-Arnold
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Real Madrid have long been linked with Alexander-Arnold, even in 2021 when he signed a four-year contract with the Reds.
Los Blancos are looking for a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, who suffered a serious injury towards the start of the season.
Lucas Vazquez and Federico Valverde have deputised for the Spain international, who is back working in the gym and could return before the end of the season.
Nevertheless, at 33, Real Madrid are looking to the future while they have also set their sights on another defender with Arsenal’s William Saliba and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate on their wish list.
