Fresh off winning the 2024/25 Premier League title, Liverpool FC has officially announced that vice-captain and long-serving right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave the club upon the expiration of his contract on June 30. The 26-year-old has chosen not to renew, marking the end of an extraordinary 20-year journey at Anfield.
Golden Years: A Look Back at Arnold’s Liverpool Career
Born in Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold joined the club’s youth academy at just six years old, embodying the spirit of a true “one-club man.” He made his senior debut in October 2016 in an EFL Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur and quickly cemented his place in the first team, becoming an essential part of Liverpool’s tactical setup.
To date, Arnold has made 352 official appearances for the Reds, scoring 23 goals and helping the club secure eight major trophies—including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
His departure further signals the dismantling of Liverpool’s golden era. With the earlier exits of Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Sadio Mané, only Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, Andrew Henry Robertson, and Joe Gomez now remain from the core squad that ended the club’s 30-year league title drought in the 2019/20 season.
Farewell Message: Emotional Reflections from Arnold
In his personal statement, Arnold expressed the emotional weight of his decision, stating that it had not been easy and involved a great deal of thought and reflection. Having spent 20 years at Liverpool, he shared how much he loved every moment at the club and how it had allowed him to fulfill all his childhood dreams.
However, he acknowledged that he had reached a stage in his career where he felt the need for a new environment and a fresh challenge—one that would help him grow both professionally and personally. Believing that the timing was right, he emphasized that his decision came from a desire for progression, not dissatisfaction.
Addressing the fans, he urged them to focus on Liverpool’s success rather than his exit: “This incredible season deserves to be celebrated. I’m proud to have been a part of it and hope our achievements aren’t overshadowed by this news.”
Next Chapter: Real Madrid Move & Club World Cup Uncertainty
According to multiple sources, Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid on a five-year contract as a free agent. With his Liverpool contract expiring in June, negotiations are ongoing between the two clubs regarding his potential involvement in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Arnold’s departure will leave a significant tactical void in Liverpool’s defense, as well as a symbolic break from a beloved generation of players. As the summer transfer window approaches, finding a suitable replacement and reinforcing the squad will be among Liverpool FC’s top priorities.
