Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has worked hard in the academy since childhood and has been a regular in the first team since his late teens. New manager Arne Slot has also made him a mainstay in the starting line-up, and he has shown some improvement in defence.
Negotiations to extend his current contract, which was up for this season, have stalled. Talks had been ongoing since last year, but he was swayed by an enthusiastic offer from Real Madrid. Like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, he has remained silent, not speaking out publicly.
However, the 26-year-old right-back, a regular in the England squad, appears to have made his decision to leave. According to talkSPORT, the player has agreed a five-year deal worth over £220,000 a week and has decided to play in Spain next season.
During the winter transfer market, an offer was also received from Real Madrid, but the Merseyside club rejected it due to concerns about a loss of strength. Therefore, he is likely to leave on a free transfer and Liverpool will not be able to get a transfer fee.
The English defender is said to receive a salary of £180,000 a week at Anfield, but will receive an even higher salary in Spain. He will end his time in the Premier League and move on to a new challenge in La Liga.
It will no doubt be sad news for supporters. The vice-captain’s departure at the end of his contract will also be marked as a major blow, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also remaining available to leave the club.
No official announcement has yet been made and until we see it, we don’t want to believe it. Although Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley is still with the club, he has been injured for a long period of time, and a regular right-back position must be secured.
With the names of various defenders, including Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong, surfacing and disappearing, who will Liverpool whitewash and move into a new era with the Dutchman at the helm…?