Liverpool are reportedly 'disappointed' but felt they 'did everything in their power' to try and keep Trent Alexander-Arnold after the defender confirmed he'd be leaving the club on a free transfer.
The right-back took to social media on Monday to confirm he'd be departing at the end of the campaign.
It isn't an unexpected development, with the player's contract due to expire this summer.
But it has still upset many Liverpool fans given the 26-year-old's big contribution to their success under the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot in recent years.
Liverpool are reportedly 'disappointed' but felt they 'did everything in their power' to try and keep Trent Alexander-Arnold after the defender confirmed he'd be leaving the club on a free transfer
PA
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool feel 'disappointment' at Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave.
However, they feel they did 'everything in their power' to keep hold of the England international - with discussions over a new deal first held last year.
Richard Hughes, who was appointed in the summer as Liverpool's sporting director, contacted the player's representatives about a new deal before even starting in his role.
Liverpool were ready to make their academy graduate the best-paid full-back in world football.
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However, the Reds concluded that an agreement wasn't possible - with a move to Spain now on the cards.
Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Liverpool in the 2016/17 campaign, making 12 appearances that season.
He has since gone on to establish himself as a club icon, playing a key role in Premier League triumphs in 2020 and 2024.
The 26-year-old also played a starring role as Liverpool won the Champions League in 2019, with a memorable assist against Barcelona in the semi-finals his greatest moment.
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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.
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) May 5, 2025
This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.
I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this… pic.twitter.com/emAw5RvXq0
Alexander-Arnold confirmed his plan to leave Liverpool on social media. He said: "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.
"This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.
"I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No 20.
"This club has been my whole life – my whole world - for 20 years.
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"From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.
"But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.
"I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters - for the last 20 years.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to play alongside Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid next season
PA
"I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all.
"My love for this club will never die."
