When Jurgen Klopp and his players received a warm welcome from Liverpool fans on the day of the Premier League's closing day last season, there was one person who seemed to be moved the most of them all. Trent Alexander-Arnold was in tears as fans expressed their respect for Klopp. The defender's reaction is understood to be a sign that he is also about to leave.
Of course, there was no action last summer. The 26-year-old has become an indispensable part of Liverpool's success under new head coach Arne Slot. But perhaps Arnold understood that it was the beginning of the end of his own story.
Now, with only three months left on his contract and Real Madrid about to complete a free transfer deal, it seems Arnold is close to leaving Anfield.
A Liverpool source told ESPN that no deal had yet been finalized. However, the negotiations between Real and Arnold are said to have taken place since January this year. Therefore, Los Blancos are increasingly optimistic that a deal is now close.
Real Madrid have made no secret of their interest in Arnold. And for many Liverpool fans, his departure seems inevitable. However, that will not reduce the shock as this painful and long story seems to be coming to an end.
Even in the context of strong commercialization as it is today, football is still an emotional sport. For many, the prospect of a player leaving his childhood club to go to a new destination will be unacceptable.
In the coming days and weeks, there will certainly be many debates about who should be blamed. And for those who seek to find charges, there will be many targets to criticize.
Liverpool will be criticized for the way they handle situations. Arnold is one of three key players alongside captain Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah whose contracts will expire in June this year. The fact that a club with a position like Liverpool finds itself in such a difficult situation is a condemnable thing for the owner of fenway Sports Group.
There are very few cities in Europe that have a more passionate football spirit than Liverpool. That is why many fans will have to struggle to accept Arnold's decision, if the 26-year-old player really leaves this summer. At Anfield, the defender was respected, joining the academy at the age of 6 and becoming a mainstay of the first team, making 349 appearances and winning 7 major titles.
Several players, including Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Steven Mc Manaman (who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 1999), have left Anfield to pursue the title. Meanwhile, Arnold is part of the Liverpool squad that is poised to compete at the highest level for many years to come.
When asked in an interview with British GQ in 2020 about being able to spend his entire career at Liverpool, the right-back replied: "I can, yes. That's not what I really thought. I have always loved Liverpool. I always support them. Currently, I am a Liverpool player, I love this club more than anything else".
Right or wrong, those statements will also be used as a weapon against Arnold in the future. The Kop fans will think that time has changed Arnold. Another group of fans also said that this defender should be more transparent about his intention to leave. Arnold has only spoken publicly about his contract situation once this season, after Liverpool's 3-0 win over Bournemouth last September.
The "Red Brigade" is in a good position to win the Premier League championship. And it would be unfair for Slot's side to overshadow their efforts with the bitterness towards a player who has contributed a lot during his time at Anfield.
Clearness is necessary so that all parties can prepare for what is coming. This will be Liverpool's time to celebrate and it would be a pity if the noise off the pitch ruined that party.
Liverpool fans will argue that Real Madrid is not an easy path to success, both collectively and individually. The move to the Bernabeu would pave the way for the greater popularity Arnold clearly wanted, although he had to admit that it could cost him by tarnishing his Merseyside legacy.
