Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires, bringing an emotional 20-year spell at Anfield to a close.
The 26-year-old England international, who came through Liverpool’s academy ranks, confirmed the news in a statement on social media on Tuesday. He has been strongly linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer.
“After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season,” Alexander-Arnold posted on X (formerly Twitter). “This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.”
The announcement comes just weeks after Alexander-Arnold helped Liverpool secure their 20th league title, drawing them level with arch-rivals Manchester United for the most top-flight championships in English football history.
The full-back explained that he had chosen not to comment publicly on his future during the campaign in order to maintain focus on the team’s title ambitions. “I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20,” he wrote.
Alexander-Arnold’s departure will mark the end of an era for Liverpool fans, many of whom have watched him evolve from a promising youth player into one of the world’s most dynamic right-backs. Since making his senior debut in 2016, he has made over 300 appearances for the club, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and other major honours.
“This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years,” he added. “From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all. My love for this club will never die.”
Liverpool are yet to comment officially on Alexander-Arnold’s statement. If a move to Real Madrid materialises, he would follow in the footsteps of former teammates such as Jude Bellingham in joining the Spanish champions.
