Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool fans are right to be angry over Trent Alexander-Arnold's imminent exit from the club, with the defender set to join Real Madrid this summer.
The 26-year-old took to social media on Monday to confirm he'd be departing his boyhood club, ending months of uncertainty in the process.
Alexander-Arnold, unlike Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, has turned down the chance to stay and will instead leave for free.
And Carragher thinks Liverpool fans have every right to be unhappy over the England international's departure given how it leaves Arne Slot's side in a weaker position.
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool fans are right to be angry over Trent Alexander-Arnold's imminent exit from the club, with the defender set to join Real Madrid this summer
PA
"Liverpool are in the business of winning more Premier League and Champions League titles," he wrote in his column for the Telegraph.
"Anything which undermines that is a threat.
"You may not agree, or believe that competitive attitude to the loss of a star player is justified, but it is what makes Liverpool the successful club it is, and it is no different than what you would expect at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Manchester United.
"By leaving Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is making it harder for his own club to win its 21st league title and seventh European Cup. That is bound to stir emotions."
JUST IN: Two riders die in horrific British Supersport Championship crash after 11-bike pile-up
Carragher does admit, however, that the lure of Real Madrid is a strong one.
The LaLiga giants are the biggest club on the planet and have won 15 Champions League titles over the years.
The Spanish titans are expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti this summer, with Xabi Alonso the frontrunner to take over.
And Carragher believes Alexander-Arnold should be wished well for the future, despite fans being left angry.
READ MORE: Rangers condemn 'unacceptable' banner depicting Graeme Souness with shotgun against Celtic
Trent Alexander-Arnold has won every major trophy during his time at Liverpool
PA
"Real are one of only two clubs to have won more European Cups than Liverpool, so when a top-class academy player makes this kind of a move, there is a simmering resentment from the local supporters that they are trying to separate themselves from 'their own', or think there is something bigger or better out there for them," he added.
"You can call that unfair, naive or even deluded all you like.
"In trying to explain how it is, people jump on me and tell me it is wrong to think that way, and Alexander-Arnold should be wished well on his new adventure.
"Liverpool fans are being told their reaction to Alexander-Arnold leaving is emotional more than sensible.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Luke Littler goes public with 19-year-old beautician 'friend' nine months on from girlfriend split
- Trent Alexander-Arnold bombarded with abuse as Liverpool star confirms exit - 'You will walk alone'
- Zhao Xintong wins historic World Championship title after beating Mark Williams to secure huge prize money
"My response to that is who is really the naive and deluded one when analysing how fans feel about such transfers?
"Fans are obviously going to be upset."
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will replace Alexander-Arnold this summer.
The Reds have Conor Bradley waiting in the wings to be their first-choice right-back, with the defender shining over the past 12 months or so.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to play alongside Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid
PA
As for Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid now awaits.
Whether he can emulate the success of close friend Jude Bellingham, who has sparkled since his own move to the Bernabeu in 2023, remains to be seen.
