Liverpool gazumped by ‘Real Madrid factor’ in Alexander-Arnold exit – Exclusive
Liverpool were rocked by the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave.
The 26-year-old will call an end to his Anfield career when his contract expires at the end of the season, with a move to Real Madrid seemingly on the cards.
Reds supporters did not react well to the announcement as the England star was booed as he stepped onto the pitch for the 2-2 draw with Arsenal (11 May).
Liverpool had no chance to keep Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold’s exit from his boyhood club is a sad footnote to a brilliant career on Merseyside.
The England star wants to experience a new challenge with arguably the biggest team in world football, for a chance at a wider fame and fortune.
Finance expert Dan Plumley believes that the Reds could not have stopped the Three Lions ace from departing.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, he said: “Given the way that situation was playing out, the answer to that is yes, ultimately.
“There has always been that Real Madrid factor, hasn’t there, in the transfer market, even throughout history, you know the Galacticos era, you look at David Beckham went there, and of course then Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe and others.
“There is the financial considerations, even if you are on the margins of earning a bit more money, but for the player, at this time of his career, it just seems to be one of those clubs, if Real Madrid comes knocking, then it becomes almost really difficult to turn down as a player.
“I completely get that, I might get a bit of stick for this, but I think some of the fan responses are a bit uncalled for. He has been phenomenal for Liverpool, and if he wants to go and play for Real Madrid, then that is a fantastic opportunity for him.
“There is a Real Madrid element in that transfer market that probably no other club has really, maybe 20 years ago we would talk about Manchester United in that same way, but certainly not at the moment, it is the Real Madrid factor of a transfer that you just can’t really touch that, there is no other club that can touch that.”
Perfect time for Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool
The Anfield faithful may be upset with the way that the academy graduate has handled the situation, signing a four-year deal last time around and staying silent on his intentions.
| Trophy | Times won |
| Premier League | 2 |
| Champions League | 1 |
| FA Cup | 1 |
| Carabao Cup | 2 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 1 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 1 |
However, for the player, it is the perfect time to leave after helping his boyhood club to another Premier League title.
His exit will leave a sour taste in the mouth of some supporters, causing what Ian Darke described as a “civil war” amongst the fanbase but ultimately it was the right time to move on for his career.