Liverpool Boss Arne Slot ‘Disappointed’ as Trent Alexander-Arnold Nears Real Madrid Move
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted he is “disappointed” that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be leaving the club, calling him “a very, very good full-back.” He also hinted that the England defender could be heading to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold revealed on Monday that he will leave Liverpool at the end of his contract, which runs out on 30 June 2025, bringing his 20-year stay at Anfield to an end.
Real Madrid, who have been linked with him throughout the season, have reportedly contacted Liverpool about signing the 26-year-old early so he can play in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which begins on 14 June.
When asked about the possible early move, Slot said:
“He hasn’t confirmed anything himself. It’s hard for me to say where he’s going. You can tell from my smile we both know where, but it’s not official yet.”
Liverpool have already been crowned Premier League champions, with four matches to spare. They host second-placed Arsenal on Sunday, who are 15 points behind with only three games left.
Slot confirmed that Northern Ireland’s Conor Bradley, 21, will start at right-back in place of Alexander-Arnold, as he begins preparing for life without the long-serving defender.
“Like every Liverpool fan, we’re sad to see him go,” Slot said.
“He’s not just a great footballer, but also a good person. I’ve worked at clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord where key players leave often. I’m used to it. When one top player leaves, another steps up — and that’s what we expect now.”
Sunday’s match will be Liverpool’s first since Alexander-Arnold announced his departure. While the news has drawn mixed reactions, Slot said he won’t tell fans how to respond.
“People will always have opinions — about me, about Trent, about anyone. Maybe it’s more negative now than usual, but I don’t pay too much attention to that.”
“I’ve spoken to Trent on WhatsApp. He said himself he didn’t want the team to be distracted by this. Hopefully, the fans focus on the team on Sunday. If the support is positive towards Trent, then that’s fine too.”
