Ian Wright baffled by Trent Alexander-Arnold development as Liverpool exit nears
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has made the controversial decision to leave on a free transfer, sparking fury in his hometown.
Alexander-Arnold has been at Liverpool for over 20 years and has won every trophy there is to win.
However, the defender has announced that he will be leaving the Reds when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Many Liverpool fans were angered by his decision, claiming that as a boyhood fan of the club, he should have shown more loyalty or earned them a transfer fee. However, Ian Wright has offered an alternative angle.
Wright defends Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit
Arsenal legend Wright has spoken about Alexander-Arnold’s upcoming move and has now defended the 26-year-old from the criticism he has received so far.
Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast (8 May), Wright pointed out that the opportunity to play for Real Madrid is too good to turn down for anyone.
| Trophy | Times won | Season won |
| Champions League | 1 | 2018/19 |
| Premier League | 2 | 2019/20, 2024/25 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 2021/22 |
| Carabao Cup | 2 | 2021/22, 2023/24 |
| Super Cup | 1 | 2019/20 |
| Club World Cup | 1 | 2019/20 |
“He’s just on his journey. It’s the next step for him. I’m delighted for him,” Wright said.
“I cannot understand the fact that he’s won everything he can win, and he’s now going to arguably one of the best clubs in the world, people can’t be happy for the fact that he’s come from here [Liverpool] and now he’s going?”
Liverpool need to replace Alexander-Arnold
Losing Alexander-Arnold is a huge blow for Arne Slot. However, the Dutchman has a few different options when it comes to replacing the defender.
Much of the fury that has been directed at Alexander-Arnold comes from the fact that Liverpool will not earn a transfer fee to replace him. However, they appear set to spend big anyway this summer, and a replacement may not need to cost too much.
Conor Bradley has been exceptional when he has covered for Alexander-Arnold. Therefore, the 21-year-old could step up to be a starter.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong has also been linked, and he could be an excellent fit given his attacking prowess.
Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries was outstanding in their Champions League victory over Barcelona. As a result, Slot might look to unite him with his national teammate, Virgil van Dijk.