‘Trent Alexander-Arnold revealed Liverpool exit reasons to Arne Slot weeks ago’
Trent Alexander-Arnold revealed his reasons for leaving Liverpool in face-to-face talks with Arne Slot weeks before it became official.
Following Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s contract extension announcements in April, there were hopes in some quarters that the 26-year-old would follow suit.
The England international has been with the club since the age of six, but Alexander-Arnold now looks set to join Real Madrid, bringing his 20-year-long relationship with his boyhood club to an end.
Following a report from The Times, the defender explained his reasoning for wanting to leave Liverpool to his manager in March.
Trent Alexander-Arnold explains to Arne Slot his reasons for Liverpool departure
According to the report, after contract talks effectively stopped in March this year, Alexander-Arnold spoke with Slot in a face-to-face meeting.
The 26-year-old explained his decision to leave was not because he did not believe in the Dutch manager or the future under him, but simply a “personal preference”.
Slot has been supportive of the decision, whilst Alexander-Arnold’s teammates are understanding as well.
At the same time as those talks between player and manager were happening, the defender’s brother and representative, Tyler, spoke to sporting director Richard Hughes in Dubai where both were on holiday.
Hate it or love it, Alexander-Arnold has earned move to Real Madrid
Football Insider Verdict
Many Liverpool fans are frustrated at Alexander-Arnold for leaving on a free transfer this summer, but when Real Madrid come knocking, you answer.
Becoming a Galactico represents the opportunity to truly assert himself as one of the great defenders of his generation.
Alexander-Arnold now has the opportunity to start fresh with a renewed sense of purpose, rather than facing another season playing the same opponents he has done since he was a teenager.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Alexander-Arnold |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Starts | 28 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Minutes | 2,309 |
Having won all there is to win as a senior player with his boyhood club, the 26-year-old has done all that can be asked of him.
What’s more, with Liverpool’s contract offer arriving far later than expected, the club have only themselves to blame when it comes to the defender’s head being turned by Los Blancos.