So is that it then? Is Liverpool set to bid farewell to one its greatest homegrown talents?
News that Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid won’t come as a surprise to Liverpool. Anecdotally, in certain circles there has been a blase acceptance that his future lies in Spain for several months. A January offer from Los Blancos, talk of wanting to win the Ballon d’Or and months of media silence have only encouraged that notion.
But now the reality is staring Liverpool in the face and it throws up several pertinent questions about the club’s future. Perhaps the most immediate is how the Reds respond. For some time Real has conducted itself with the swagger of the biggest bully in the playground, but expect Liverpool to bear its teeth.
This is different to when Steve McManaman, Michael Owen or Xabi Alonso were poached by the Spanish giants, or even Philippe Coutinho. Liverpool is a formidable side now, among the best in Europe. Some may even see this, at least in the short-term, as a step down for Alexander-Arnold given Real might not even win its own domestic league this season.
That, in some ways, is why this particular ordeal will be particularly painful for Reds, many of whom felt the days of having their top star pilfered by more attractive European lights were gone.
That he’s a Scouser, a boyhood fan, came through the academy and still has his best years ahead of him will only amplify the anger and disappointment. Jamie Carragher has been outspoken on how Alexander-Arnold’s contract quandary is different from that of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah – it’s likely he’ll be proved right in the coming weeks.
Judging by the immediate social media backlash, Liverpool’s No. 66 shouldn’t expect a warm reception in his final games, although he is currently injured and not likely to be back until late April. In the meantime, supporters should be prepared for taunts from opposition fans at the Merseyside derby next week.
(Image: Getty)
The transfer news comes just days after another famous Scouser returned to Anfield. Steven Gerrard has never shied away from how tempted he was by the opportunity of silverware on offer at Stamford Bridge, while he also turned down approaches from overseas during his playing days. A little kiss of the badge in the direction of the Chelsea fans during Saturday’s Legends’ game was a reminder of how much the former Liverpool skipper values the link with his club and his city.
That will be the feeling now among Liverpool fans, that trophies, personal accolades and money are more important for Alexander-Arnold. What also sets this particular transfer saga aside from previous exits is that Liverpool will not be compensated for his departure. Again, it reinforces an image of self-interest that antagonizes fans.
A comparison with Jack Grealish, who was desperate to leave boyhood Aston Villa, but signed a contract extension that included a buyout in 2020, can’t be overlooked. He earned his side a British record transfer and is still jeered when returning, so the online uproar at Tuesday’s news is unsurprising.
It also brings Salah and Van Dijk’s contract scenarios into sharper focus. One down, two to go will be the mindset of fans now. To let all three leave without a transfer fee would be a monumental error on Liverpool’s part.
(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
It will be over a week until Arne Slot next answers questions from the media. Already fans will be anticipating what nuggets of information can be gleaned, although a blunt dismissal is possible. He’s not one to stoke up speculation.
His long-term thought will be where Liverpool goes next and how he replaces one of the Premier League’s most unique players. There’s never been a full-back quite like Alexander-Arnold in the top flight before, and replacing his creativity and impeccable long-range passing will feel almost impossible for Slot.
The Carabao Cup final underlined how crucial Alexander-Arnold is to the function of this team. Without him, they looked toothless at Wembley. Admittedly, having Conor Bradley would have changed the outlook for Liverpool and that it already has a Premier League-grade right-back on hand may have influenced the decision making at Anfield.
A final and perhaps most important question for the club long-term is who is signed this summer. A new right-back is undoubtedly required, but whether that’s back-up for Bradley or a brand-new starter is the big uncertainty. The uncertainty over Alexander-Arnold’s future has been put to bed, but, as this particular saga draws to a close, more are emerging.
