A section of Liverpool fans made their feelings clear towards Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to depart the club next month on a free transfer to Real Madrid.
However, the situation in the Spanish capital isn’t exactly rosy either, with the Reds’ vice-captain seemingly about to swap one challenging situation for another.
Anfield echoed with boos and jeers during Alexander-Arnold‘s involvement in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday. The negative reactions were heard when his name was announced before the match, when he came on as a second-half substitute, and after the final whistle.
Supporters also expressed their sentiments through three specific chants. Two chants paid tribute to Steven Gerrard, the legendary Liverpool captain who resisted outside interest, and Conor Bradley who started at right-back. There was also a less-than-flattering song about Real Madrid – Alexander-Arnold’s anticipated new home.
While the 26-year-old’s departure from the Reds is now confirmed, Real Madrid has been open about their pursuit. As the FIFA Club World Cup looms this June, the Spanish giants’ latest move has been to expedite the full-back’s transfer so that he can participate in the tournament, even if it means paying a small fee.
Alexander-Arnold has two more fixtures to play as a Liverpool player, an away game against Brighton and a home match against Crystal Palace. Following these, he is set to participate in the Premier League trophy parade across the city on Monday, May 26.
Whether he will face further backlash remains uncertain. However, as he contemplates a fresh challenge in LaLiga, it’s shaping up to be a formidable task indeed.
(Image: Getty Images)
The England international appears to be joining a beleaguered Real Madrid side, which was confronted by ‘a small group’ of their own dissatisfied fans at their Valdebebas training ground on Sunday night, as reported by Marca.
The report details that national police had to step in and private security removed a banner that simply stated: ‘Shame’. Insults were hurled at players as they drove away from the scene.
Earlier that day, they suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona. This marked their fourth El Clasico loss this season alone, leaving Real trailing seven points behind Hansi Flick’s team in the La Liga title race with just three games remaining.
Having been eliminated from the Champions League and already lost their domestic cup final, they could potentially end the season without any silverware, sparking such reactions.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who lamented his defensive injuries, is planning to step down from his role at the end of the season and take the Brazil job. Following this, ex-Reds and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is set to depart Bayer Leverkusen, is rumoured to be his successor.
Thus, even if Alexander-Arnold finds himself in a changing room under new management, trying to shake off recent issues, he would still be stepping into an unsettled environment.
Meanwhile, back in Merseyside, Liverpool would be striving to hold onto their Premier League title and make further progress in other competitions.
