Former Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson doesn’t believe that Trent Alexander-Arnold “really wanted” to leave his boyhood club— but feels he just couldn’t turn down the chance to make the switch to Real Madrid.
Earlier in the week, Alexander-Arnold revealed that he intends to leave as a free agent in the summer, confirming the worst-kept secret in soccer. While the Liverpool No. 66 is yet to state that it is Real Madrid that he will be signing for, that is expected to be confirmed sooner rather than later and is now a formality.
“We won’t know if he’s made the right decision until a few years down the line, but it’s a tough decision,” Johnson tells Liverpool.com. “No one wants him to leave, and I don’t believe that he really wanted to leave, but these opportunities don’t come around often.
“You can’t blame him for wanting a change. He has been super successful at Liverpool; he has done everything and won everything, so I think you have to appreciate what he has done and wish him the best for the next few years.
“Is it the right decision? We don’t know yet. But I think Real Madrid suits him perfectly, to be honest. No disrespect to the league, but you’re not playing against the Premier League.
“He is going to have the ball 85 per cent of every game and that suits his style of play, obviously. He’ll slot in there, no drama whatsoever.”
(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold has made more than 350 senior appearances for Liverpool and has become the leading player in his position in the world. But he explained in a heartfelt video upon his departure that he nows wants to experience a different environment.
The Reds had done everything they could to convince Alexander-Arnold to stay put at Anfield, but sporting director Richard Hughes simply could not offer him the one thing he wanted: a change.
Without Alexander-Arnold, Arne Slot will have to find a solution to losing such a creative fulcrum. But Johnson thinks that he might already have the answer among his existing roster of players.
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“I don’t think they should sign anyone,” Johnson, speaking on behalf of TG Casino, continues. “I think they should give Conor Bradley a good season and see what he can do week in, week out. When he has come into the team, he looks fantastic.
“I think I would like to see him get a whole season where he can get some momentum. Of course they need the numbers to get someone who can push him, but I would like to see Bradley get a whole season. When he’s been called on, he has been great.
“I like his attitude. He is very keen and hungry. He’s very quick, he’s good on the ball, and he’s a good defender. I just think as an all-rounder, he could have it all.
“It’s not panic stations because you’re losing Trent — I really wouldn’t be worried at all. Bradley reads the game well, and he would be intelligent enough to get along with anyone he is playing with.”
