Trent Alexander-Arnold rattled by Liverpool meeting that led to exit – ‘Is this a joke?’

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool career appears to be nearing an end with a summer move to Real Madrid inching closer.

The 26-year-old has been strongly linked with the Spanish giants for several months, and according to latest reports, an agreement is now imminent. The England defender’s Anfield contract is due to expire at the end of the current season, and speculation over his future has been dominating the headlines for weeks.

However, Alexander-Arnold’s fate may have been sealed over a year ago. According to Sky Sports Switzerland, the full-back made up his mind about leaving in the wake of Jurgen Klopp’s resignation.

In January last year, after over eight years in charge, the German informed his players he’d be leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 campaign – a decision that left the squad gobsmacked. In an emotional interview with The Athletic, Alexander-Arnold recalled his reaction: “We all thought, ‘Is this a joke?’ None of us were expecting it.

“It started like a normal day. Then the manager called a meeting at 10:30am, which we had never had before, so everyone was like, ‘What’s going on?’

“He came into the changing rooms and told us there was news breaking as he was speaking. So we found out as players at the same time as everyone else but he told us personally.

“He said that this had to be his last season, that he needed a break to spend time with his family. I didn’t know what to do… After he left the room, everyone was just sat there thinking, ‘Has that just happened?’… It kind of shook the dressing room for a couple of hours.”

Alexander-Arnold, like many others, felt the impact of Klopp’s departure deeply. Not only had he been given his first senior opportunity by Klopp, the former Dortmund coach had helped him evolve into one of the most dynamic and creative right-backs in world football.

After Klopp’s final match, an emotional Alexander-Arnold expressed his gratitude to ViaPlay. “I’ve been a big part [of Klopp’s reign] and felt a big part of it. The manager’s made me feel a big part of it,” he said.

“I’ve developed as a man, as a player, under his guidance. None of this is possible without him. There’s not much you can say for a person who’s made everything come true for you. He’s changed my life, and everyone around me, my whole family. This was all possible through him.

“I can never say thank you enough for that. He made my dreams come true. Ask my family, ask anyone. I’m not [an] emotional [person]. I can’t remember the last time I cried! Honestly, I haven’t cried in years. So this is very strange for me. It just shows how much he means to me and the club.”

Alexander-Arnold had only ever known life under Klopp, and the prospect of change left him feeling – for the first time – a little unsettled at Anfield. Arne Slot’s arrival cast a sliver of doubt over his first team future, and although he’s been a regular under the Dutchman, their bond doesn’t appear as unshakable as the one he had with Klopp.

Once the 2024/25 season got underway, Alexander-Arnold had entered the final year of his contract, with no extension in sight. This led to a slight strain in his relationship with the club and its fans, which only intensified when he claimed he’d prefer to win the Ballon d’Or over another Champions League title with Liverpool.

This comment didn’t sit well with some supporters, who interpreted it as a sign that his ambitions were veering away from Merseyside, favoring personal glory over collective triumphs.

Then, in January, Real made a bid for Alexander-Arnold, which Liverpool promptly turned down. Despite the overseas interest, his performances on the pitch haven’t wavered. However, he’s done little to quell rumors about his future.

In stark contrast, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk – both of whom are also nearing the end of their contracts – have publicly stated their intention to remain at Liverpool.

News of his impending departure won’t sit well with the majority of the Liverpool faithful, but if Alexander-Arnold can contribute to securing only the second Premier League title in the club’s history, much of the frustration over his exit will likely dissipate.

A triumphant end to the season would be a fitting farewell to his 21-year tenure at the club. After all, his Anfield legacy should be shaped not by the uncertainty of his final months, but by the era of success and supremacy he helped bring about.