Trent Alexander-Arnold made a big announcement last Monday, confirming that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
The announcement resulted in a mixed reaction from Liverpool fans, some of whom expressed anger not just for leaving his beloved club to move on, but also for doing so without a transfer fee.
Much was said about how the fans would respond in the stadium, and Sunday’s game was seen as a key moment, with a hostile reception widely expected.
And that’s exactly what unfolded. Trent, who is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, came off the bench in the 67th minute to replace Conor Bradley.
What followed was a wave of boos from sections of the crowd, making it clear that a portion of the Liverpool supporters felt betrayed by his impending move.
Agbonlahor on how Trent Alexander-Arnold reacted to Liverpool boos
Former Aston Villa striker turned pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor shared his thoughts on the reaction, expressing sympathy for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Agbonlahor also pointed out how the player looked emotionally affected but praised the 26-year-old for his composure, continuing to acknowledge the fans post-match and showing no public frustration.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Both of us have been players on that pitch and the emotions you go through…
“You could see the camera on his face, right when the booing happened, and he looked very emotional. But I felt he kept himself well, he didn’t react to it, and even after the game, he went around the pitch clapping the fans.
“He wants the fans to still love him, he loves Liverpool. He’s not leaving after not achieving at the club, he’s got a Champions League, two Premier Leagues…
“This kid has done it all, he gets one go at this. Does he want to come back in 20 years and look back and say to his kids: ‘Ah, I turned down Real Madrid’?”
Why Liverpool fans are angry at Trent Alexander-Arnold
From Liverpool fans’ point of view, while they are disappointed that the player is leaving a club that has just won the Premier League and is fighting for top honours every season for Real Madrid, the anger stems from something deeper.
Supporters feel that Trent made up his mind to leave long ago, yet continued to present himself as committed to the club while quietly running down his contract.
Arsene Wenger recently spoke about this, revealing that Madrid had approached the Liverpool vice-captain well in advance, as part of their growing strategy to sign top players on free transfers by convincing them to see out their deals.
Fans believe Trent followed this exact playbook—remaining silent throughout most of the season, rarely speaking to the press, and giving little clarity about his future.
In contrast, two other players have elevated their status in the eyes of fans by turning down lucrative offers and choosing to stay at Anfield.
Mo Salah extended his Liverpool contract last month, preferring to stay at Anfield for two more years and so did Virgil van Dijk.
While it’s never easy to see supporters boo their own, the manner of Trent’s departure has intensified emotions, and with his exit now public, he may have to deal with the hostile reaction for the last couple of games.
