Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly made the decision to leave Liverpool after learning that Jürgen Klopp would be stepping down as manager.
Liverpool appointed Arne Slot as Klopp’s successor last summer, and the Dutchman has exceeded expectations, guiding the club to what now looks like an inevitable Premier League title.
However, Klopp’s influence on Alexander-Arnold’s development was profound, and his departure played a major role in the right-back’s decision not to sign a new contract.
According to the Mirror, Klopp’s exit was the tipping point for Alexander-Arnold, who is now believed to be on the verge of finalizing a move to Real Madrid.
With his contract expiring this summer, the England international has opted to leave Anfield, despite Slot’s impressive impact since taking over.
Alexander-Arnold on Klopp’s Departure: “It Shook the Dressing Room”
Signs of Alexander-Arnold’s uncertainty were evident when he spoke to The Athletic about how Klopp’s unexpected announcement stunned the squad.
“It started like a normal day, then the manager called a 10:30 am meeting, which we never had before, so everyone was confused,” he recalled. “He walked in and told us there was news breaking as he spoke.
We found out at the same time as the public, but he wanted to tell us personally. He said this had to be his last season, that he needed a break to be with his family.
I didn’t know what to do… After he left, we all just sat there thinking, ‘Did that really just happen?’ It shook the dressing room for a couple of hours.”
Alexander-Arnold now appears set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, in what would be a major coup for the Spanish giants—similar to their signing of Kylian Mbappé under similar circumstances last summer.
Having spent his entire career at Liverpool after rising through the academy ranks, Alexander-Arnold’s departure is likely to leave fans feeling betrayed, especially given the loyalty Steven Gerrard once showed to the club.
