After two decades of loyalty and success at his boyhood club, Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the 2024/25 season. The 26-year-old defender, who joined the club’s academy at just six years old, is widely expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer after his contract expires on 30 June.
“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 announced via social media. “This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.”
Alexander-Arnold has played 352 matches for the Reds, scoring 23 goals and delivering 86 assists since his debut in 2016. A consistent presence on the right flank, he has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent era of success, helping the club secure the Premier League title in 2019–20, this season’s top-flight crown, the Champions League in 2018–19, and multiple domestic cups.
While stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have recently signed new contracts, Alexander-Arnold has chosen to move on. Club sources confirm that Liverpool made strong efforts to keep him, even offering a contract that would have made him one of the best-paid defenders in Premier League history. However, the appeal of joining Real Madrid and seeking new professional challenges proved too strong.
“This club has been my whole world for 20 years,” he added. “But I’ve never known anything else, and this is about stepping outside my comfort zone, both professionally and personally.”
Liverpool, in an official statement, thanked Alexander-Arnold for his contributions and praised his loyalty, character, and quality on the pitch.
Though the decision comes with emotional weight, Alexander-Arnold is leaving Anfield as a champion, having played a key role in Liverpool’s 20th league title. He will also relinquish the vice-captaincy, with Mohamed Salah reportedly in line to assume the role.
Real Madrid, who previously approached Liverpool for the defender in January, are now poised to welcome a seasoned and title-winning player to their ranks.
