March 26 – Real Madrid is considered to be the Holy Grail for any top professional footballer, which Liverpool defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold (TAA) most certainly is. Now, following in the steps of other local scouse legends Steve MacManaman and Michael Owen, TAA looks set to move to Spain.
The Reds fullback is out of contract at the end of the season and Madrid has long been rumored as the destination, with the Spanish giants even making a January offer for the defender who has spent his entire career at Anfield.
While there has been no official announcement from either club, the saga has somewhat damaged TAA’s image with a rabid Liverpool fan-base that looks at any defection of local lads as the ultimate betrayal. With Alexander-Arnold able to leave on a free-transfer, the sting is being felt beyond the Kop, and in the pockets of the owners and the Liverpool balance sheet.
How this situation has been let to happen has induced much finger-pointing as the contract wound down until the point where Liverpool would’ve had no choice but to make the fullback the highest-paid defender in world football. The fact that Madrid will probably turn around and do exactly that will make the club feel a tad smaller.
TAA deserves a proper send-off from Anfield though, having helped the team over a trophy laden nine years that has seen him win seven trophies, which will soon be eight once the Reds wrap up the Premier League title for the second time in his career.
For many top players, when Real Madrid comes calling, the lure is strong especially when his good friend, and fellow England teammate, Jude Bellingham is offering an extending hand.
While Liverpool have potentially missed out on a bumper transfer fee of at least $50 million, they do have a strong replacement ready to go in Conor Bradley. Ultimately TAA will be missed not only at Anfield but in the Premier League where he has revolutionised what a fullback can be.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1742999916labto1742999916ofdlr1742999916owedi1742999916sni@o1742999916fni1742999916