Paul Merson has suggested Liverpool fans have no right to criticize Trent Alexander-Arnold as he closes in on a free transfer to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold’s future has been the source of much speculation with his Liverpool contract expiring at the end of the season, alongside Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. Real has led the race for his signature for some time and had a bid rejected by Liverpool during the January transfer window.
But he has been free to speak to the Spanish giants since then and it emerged last week that Real is growing in confidence of reaching an agreement with Liverpool’s vice-captain.
Many Liverpool supporters have voiced their frustrations with the 26-year-old over his seemingly inevitable decision to leave his boyhood club. However, Reds legend Jamie Carragher has been among those to accept Alexander-Arnold’s desire to spend the next chapter of his career away from Merseyside.
Merson echoed those sentiments, but did compare the situation to that of Antony who left Manchester United on loan to join Real Betis in January. The Brazilian failed to impress at Old Trafford since his big-money move from Ajax but has found his feet again in La Liga.
“I don’t know what the problem is. Trent has come through at Liverpool, he’s been unbelievable. He’s won everything in the game at Liverpool, and he’s going to go on a free,” Merson said on Sky Sports.
“He hasn’t come in as a £60m ($78M) flop. He’s been through the ranks, he’s come into the team, he’s been phenomenal. And… it’s Real Madrid. Do you know what I mean? Look at Antony, he’s been bought by Man United for £80m ($105M) and he’s now out on loan and no one says a dicky bird.
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“Trent has won the league [in 2020]. He’s going to win the Premier League with Liverpool again [this season]. He’s won the Champions League [in 2019], and I don’t see a problem with it. I really don’t.
“I don’t know anybody in the world of football who’s ever turned Real Madrid down, I don’t. Fair play to the lad, good luck to him. I think Liverpool fans should be happy for him. He’s given everything for that club, and I think he deserves that move, in my opinion.”
It remains to be seen when Alexander-Arnold will make his return to action, with the defender having been sidelined through injury in recent weeks. Liverpool returns to action in the Merseyside derby against Everton on Wednesday night.
Boss Arne Slot will face the media on Tuesday ahead of that encounter and will provide an update on his fitness and undoubtedly respond to questions about the England international’s future.
