Trent Alexander-Arnold 'confides in friends about match he can't even remember' as Liverpool exit confirmed

WATCH NOW: Trent Alexander-Arnold announces his departure from Liverpool

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 05/05/2025

- 13:35

The 26-year-old has confirmed he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season

Trent Alexander-Arnold cannot remember playing in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Manchester United in January, according to reports.

The 26-year-old defender's memory loss comes from a match where he endured a "torrid evening" and faced significant criticism from fans and pundits alike.


The concerning revelation has emerged following Alexander-Arnold's recent announcement that he will leave his boyhood club when his contract expires.

The match in question took place shortly after Real Madrid had made a shock £20million bid for Alexander-Arnold.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Manchester United

Trent Alexander-Arnold cannot remember playing in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Manchester United in January

PA

According to a report from The Telegraph, the LaLiga side's approach had a "profound effect" on the defender that evening.

The bid reportedly "scrambled his head to such an extent that he fails to recall the events of the match" - with the defender even confiding in friends about it.

The timing of Madrid's offer sent shockwaves through Anfield, coming when many expected the Spanish giants to wait until summer to pursue him on a free transfer.

Alexander-Arnold was heavily criticised for his performance in the match, with fans at Anfield and many more on social media directing abuse towards him.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he's leaving Liverpool, with the defender expected to join Real Madrid

PA

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane slammed the defender for "schoolboy defending" during the televised fixture.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was forced to defend his player, dismissing suggestions that the Madrid links had influenced Alexander-Arnold's display that evening.

The report also reveals that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was the first to check on Alexander-Arnold following the match.

This gesture reportedly "meant a lot" to the defender during what was clearly a difficult period.

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Alexander-Arnold finally ended months of speculation on Monday by announcing his decision to leave Liverpool after 20 years at the club.

"This is easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life," he wrote in a statement on social media.

"This club has been my whole life, my whole world - for 20 years."

He explained his departure was about "experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally."

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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher had previously suggested that Alexander-Arnold or his representatives may have encouraged Real Madrid's approach.

"They're bullies, Real Madrid. My problem with it is, they have bid on the back of Trent Alexander-Arnold or his agent saying 'put a bid in'," Carragher said on Sky Sports in January.

"Because they wouldn't put a bid in, they wouldn't do that unless they get the say so."

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool after two decades with his boyhood club

GETTY

In a club statement, Liverpool acknowledged Alexander-Arnold's upcoming departure, confirming his "two-decade-long association with the Reds" will end when his contract expires on 30 June 2025.

"Alexander-Arnold will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success," the statement read.

The defender's exit marks the end of a remarkable journey from the club's academy to becoming one of their most decorated modern players.