Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract expires.
The 26-year-old right-back, who joined the club as a six-year-old, announced his decision in an emotional post on social media, citing a desire for a new challenge.
“This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life,” Alexander-Arnold wrote.
“But I have never known anything else, and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.”
After making over 350 appearances and winning two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown, the full-back feels the time is right to move on.
He has long been linked with Real Madrid and, while no deal has been finalised, the expectation is that he will join them on a free transfer this summer.
Liverpool confirmed his departure in a club statement, thanking the vice-captain for his contribution across a two-decade association.
Alexander-Arnold reportedly turned down an offer that would have made him the highest-paid full-back in world football.
Sporting director Richard Hughes had prioritised negotiations, even reaching out to the player’s camp before officially taking up his role.
Despite his efforts and a final face-to-face meeting with manager Arne Slot in March, Alexander-Arnold stood firm in his decision to leave.
Slot is understood to have impressed the defender during their short time working together, but the appeal of a new environment ultimately proved decisive.
“It’s not about a lack of confidence in the manager or the club,” Alexander-Arnold told LFC TV. “I just felt I needed something different to grow as a player and person.”
Liverpool had rejected a Madrid bid before the January window, but will now lose the player for nothing.
Conor Bradley could be promoted to the starting XI next season, or Liverpool may look to sign a new right-back.
