Trent Alexander-Arnold will be hoping that if and possibly when he signs for Real Madrid, Liverpool fans still hold him near and dear to their hearts.
For Liverpool supporters, however, that might be easier said than done as one of their best-ever academy graduates looks set to leave at the end of the season and that too on a free transfer.
A lifelong Reds fan in Jamie Carragher cannot understand Alexander-Arnold eyeing Real Madrid as the 26-year-old supports the club too but now seemingly lacks the desire to help Arne Slot’s side dominate English and European football for the next few years.
Roy Keane lauded Alexander-Arnold’s decision to join Real Madrid as he is now on the verge of a move to Spain as the Manchester United legend admires players being open to try their hand at new experiences.
Trent Alexander-Arnold first got a taste of the widespread criticism after his disappointing display in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United in January.
Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane on Liverpool fans turning on Trent Alexander-Arnold
The frustration was palpable, with Virgil van Dijk slamming Alexander-Arnold against Manchester United for a perceived lack of focus during the contest.
Gary Neville slated Alexander-Arnold’s passing against Manchester United as well as it’s fair to say that he was all over the shop.
At the time, it seemed like the Englishman’s head had turned due to Real Madrid being in for him.
Roy Keane claimed on The Overlap’s Stick To Football podcast that Liverpool fans “turned on” Alexander-Arnold’s dismal display against Manchester United: “But what if he has a bad game over the next few months, Jamie [Carragher], that would be my issue. Would Liverpool fans turn on him very, very quickly? We always talk about Liverpool fans having a bit of class with the away teams when they win over the years and they applaud them off or whatever. But you’d hate for them because that game, it was against United, they turned him on that day.”
“You would say they’d turn on most players’ backs because he was having a bad game but you’d hate for it to get a real resentment towards the lad over the next few months.”
Jamie Carragher agreed with Roy Keane as he felt Liverpool fans turned on Alexander-Arnold due to his seemingly lackadaisical attitude against Manchester United: “I think they turned on him that game, Roy because I think because it wasn’t so much a poor performance but it looked like a lack of energy, you remember one of the goals, I think he was walking.”
“It wasn’t so much, oh, he’s given the ball away, it was more of a case of actually, are you fighting for the league here with us actually, you’re already checked out, have you?”
What Trent Alexander-Arnold is planning for Liverpool fans before Real Madrid move
Liverpool believe Conor Bradley can replace Alexander-Arnold and if he does fare well, time will heal all wounds.
But the revered right-back perhaps needs no reminding of the fact that the Anfield faithful are gutted about his decision and with that in mind, Alexander-Arnold will explain his decision to join Real Madrid to Liverpool fans.
Fabrizio Romano revealed: “I think it’s important to mention and we will touch on that, that Trent will explain everything on this story, also to respect Liverpool fans at the right moment. But Real Madrid is Real Madrid, where Real Madrid is calling. This is not just about Trent.”
