Reaction, analysis & your views: Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool

Summary

Recap the reaction as Alexander-Arnold announces he is to leave Liverpool at the end of the season
Here's how the news broke and Alexander-Arnold's statement
Alexander-Arnold 'expected to join Real Madrid' & Bradley the 'next cab off the rank' - Sami Mokbel & Phil McNulty analysis
One of the finest attacking full-backs in the world & one of the all-time Premier League defenders? Stats and analysis
Reaction from fans is mixed - some wish him well, while others say believe he's making the wrong choice

Live Reporting

Ben Collins, Tom Mallows, Craig Nelson & Tyrese King. Edited by Murray Burnell.

Bradley can stake his claimpublished at 14:35 British Summer Time 5 May
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer
How Liverpool head coach Arne Slot handles the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold will be an intriguing situation this summer.
Conor Bradley has shown what a bright future he has in front of him with some excellent displays, but the Northern Ireland international is still only 21, relatively inexperienced at Premier League level, and has suffered injuries.
Slot has Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah who have operated at right-back, but again there are question marks. Gomez has been plagued with injuries while Quansah has not played many minutes there.
The Dutchman is expected to prioritise a left-back and a striker this summer, but Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave will give Slot food for thought, although his is hardly a shock development and will have been on his agenda already.
Logic suggests Bradley will be the first cab off the rank as replacement.
Image source, Getty Images
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Get Involvedpublished at 14:27 British Summer Time 5 May
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As an Everton fan, gutted when Rooney left, but he did it the right way. His sale earned us a fee, which we desperately needed, and, frankly, he deserved to play for championships. Trent has vacillated for a year, strung both the club and the fans along, and is now describing his anguish at the "hardest decision of his life". Hopefully the huge signing-on fee he deprived his club of and the gargantuan wage packet soothe his pain.
Rob, Ely
As a Wolves fan I can sympathise with LFC. We are going to lose Cunha, which we understand, but to Manchester United? But Cunha doesn’t support Wolves and Wolves haven’t just won the Prem, so it must be a hard pill to swallow. All I can say is he can't be that much of a fan.
Nick
More on Alexander-Arnold's attacking statspublished at 14:24 British Summer Time 5 May
Trent Alexander-Arnold may be a defender but he is renowned for his attacking output.
No defender has more than his 64 Premier League assists since the competition began, while only former Everton defender Leighton Baines has more than his 82 goal involvements - including goals and assists.
Since making his debut in 2016 he is fourth on the list of assists and chances created (Mohamed Salah one of those players above him in each of those metrics), while he tops the list of passes played into the box and successful crosses.
Only James Ward-Prowse and James Maddison have scored more direct free-kicks than Alexander-Arnold in that time, while he is a respectable joint-ninth for goals from outside the box.
Image source, Getty Images
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Get Involvedpublished at 14:21 British Summer Time 5 May
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Best of luck to Trent in Madrid. The league is less competitive, and with many teams sitting in, he'll be an unbelievable player for them. Bradley is an outstanding prospect, more running power and better defensively but conversely doesn't have the passing vision or range. Yes Liverpool will miss TAA, but he should go with love and respect. He's also going to learn a new language, culture, climate etc so good on him for having the guts to roll the dice rather than take the easy option.
Robert in Belfast
Bradley edges duels won, but TAA boasts the better attacking statspublished at 14:15 British Summer Time 5 May
Gary Rose
BBC Sport reporter
Conor Bradley wins almost twice as many duels as Trent Alexander-Arnold per game (6.6 to 3.6) and averages more tackles (3.1 to 2.1).
But England international Alexander-Arnold is rightly regarded as one of the best attacking full-backs in the world, and it is here where he excels in a statistical head-to-head with Bradley.
Most noticeably, Alexander-Arnold plays more passes into the box and creates more chances on average, with 2.5 per 90 minutes compared to 1.3 for Bradley.
Image source, Getty Images
Postpublished at 14:11 British Summer Time 5 May
BBC sport reporter Gary Rose analysed the games of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley when news first broke in February about Alexander-Arnold's talks with Real Madrid...
Could this be Bradley's time?published at 14:09 British Summer Time 5 May
Gary Rose
BBC Sport reporter
The prospect of Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure from Liverpool has been softened by the emergence of Conor Bradley in recent years.
The 21-year-old has impressed whenever he has had to deputise - from Alexander-Arnold's spell out through injury last season to an eye-catching Champions League display against Real Madrid in November.
Having been with Liverpool himself since his mid-teens, it could soon be time for Bradley to make the right-back position his own.
But just how do the two compare?
Who do Liverpool have at right-back?published at 14:06 British Summer Time 5 May
The natural successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold within the current Liverpool squad is Conor Bradley.
The Northern Ireland international had made 54 appearances in all competitions since making his debut in 2020, including 16 in the Premier League this season.
Joe Gomez can play all the way across the back four, but is unlikely to be a seen as a long-term right-back option.
So will Bradley assume Alexander-Arnold's crown? Or will he remain understudy to a summer signing?
Image source, Getty Images
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Get Involvedpublished at 14:00 British Summer Time 5 May
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Great decision by Trent, to be fair. Liverpool simply weren't good enough this season, outside the EPL. Yes, Real had a bad season, but they rarely have more than one in a row. Liverpool will struggle in the league next season when their competitors improve.
Dave
As a Liverpool season ticket holder I'll be gutted not to watch Trent anymore. And watching Caicedo and Lavia yesterday it's equally gutting they chose Chelsea over us. World-class players. What a team we could have had if all three were with us now!
Jerry, Liverpool
What are Alexander-Arnold's defensive stats?published at 13:54 British Summer Time 5 May
Interesting you should describe Trent Alexander-Arnold as a mediocre full-back Matt.
His defensive abilities have often been seen as a weakness to his game.
However, since his first-team debut in 2016, Lewis Dunk is the only player to have won possession on more occasions than Alexander-Arnold.
Possession won includes interceptions and tackles, and only four players have made more tackles than Alexander-Arnold (419) since 2016 - Aaron Wan-Bissaka (571), James Tarkowski (503), Cesar Azpilicueta (462) and Tyrick Mitchell (435).
Image source, Reuters/BBC Sport
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'The most overrated footballer in England'published at 13:52 British Summer Time 5 May
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This coverage of Trent leaving is laughable. He is the most overrated footballer in England. A mediocre full-back who is run ragged by the likes of Gordon, Martinelli and Rashford as the “most dribbled past” stats emphasise. Liverpool have dodged one here, instead of wasting about £70m giving him a new contract.
Matt, Sheffield
Heard a few commentators discussing how Trent "can always come back" in a few years. That's a firm "no" from me. You can't have your cake and eat it. Owen tried the same approach. The club moved on, and we saw how that ended. Conor Bradley is the man now. He changed the game when he came on yesterday. Let's get behind the lad. Liverpool shouldn't look back.
Chris
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Get Involved - how do you replace a player like Alexander-Arnold?published at 13:50 British Summer Time 5 May
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So, Liverpool must now decide how to proceed without Trent Alexander-Arnold.
How will they replace one of the most productive supply lines in recent Premier League history?
And who is good enough to play alongside the likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Roberstson in a defensive unit that has helped add two Premier League titles and a Champions League to Liverpool's trophy cabinet?
These are the questions we will consider over the next hour or so.
Please do get in touch with your thoughts via:
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- Or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Alexander-Arnold statement in fullpublished at 13:43 British Summer Time 5 May
Liverpool
If you have missed it, here is the statement released by Trent Alexander-Arnold in full:
"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. 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.
"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."
Image source, Getty Images
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Get Involvedpublished at 13:42 British Summer Time 5 May
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The whole 'lure of Madrid' argument is something that I just can’t get behind. The lure of playing for a toxic fanbase, brutal owners who will chop and change a manager at the blink of an eye. Sadly, the aforementioned ire will see Trent go down as just another talented player rather than the bona fide club legend he should be.
Liam, Liverpool (in spirit.)
I’m sorry but I don’t see the attraction of Madrid right now unless you’re a mercenary. They throw ice at refs, tantrums at awards ceremonies, play like individuals not a team. Seem like a really petulant team and they just got dumped out of CL by an average Arsenal. If Trent was going to find a ‘new challenge’ abroad why not go to Barcelona or Napoli or Dortmund or Inter Milan or Ajax? This just feels like a move an agent would pick, not a football fan?
Jonny, London
Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool - the latestpublished at 13:39 British Summer Time 5 May
If you are just joining us, we are discussing the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold after the defender announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, saying it was "the hardest decision he has ever made".
- The England full-back said his "love for the club will never die" and was blessed to be able to "live out his dreams" at Anfield.
- You have been reacting to the news, with the majority wishing Alexander-Arnold well, though some are unhappy with his decision to leave the club he has been at for 20 years. One fan has even suggested he should be booed by Reds fans in his final three games.
- Alexander-Arnold has not revealed his future plans, though a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid looks likely.
- Liverpool now have the task of trying to replace a player widely regarded as one of the best attacking full-backs in the world.
Image source, Getty Images
Postpublished at 13:36 British Summer Time 5 May
We have more Alexander-Arnold stats to come, but let's have a quick recap on why the Liverpool full-back is in our thoughts on this Bank Holiday Monday...
How many Premier League chances has Alexander-Arnold created?published at 13:34 British Summer Time 5 May
Since Trent Alexander-Arnold's first-team debut in 2016, only three players have created more chances in the Premier League.
Image source, PA Media/BBC Sport
'They aren’t gonna suddenly drop their captain for him'published at 13:30 British Summer Time 5 May
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RE Trent, from an LFC fan, it makes no sense other than a nice signing on bonus for Trent. Why would you leave the club you love and have supported your whole life? IT doesn’t add up to me, surely the motivation is keeping LFC at the top if they have been your whole life. His reasons don’t add up either - Ballon d'Or will never happen for him; he is now up against three other team-mates at Madrid. Best of luck, Trent. I won’t forget what you’ve done, but I think you will regret it after one mistake like turning your back like you did for Enzo's goal yesterday. Those Madrid fans will be on you like a pack of wolves. I still think he’s rotating with Carvajal, they aren’t gonna suddenly drop their captain for him.
Scott, Preston
How many Premier League goals has Alexander-Arnold created?published at 13:23 British Summer Time 5 May
Since Trent Alexander-Arnold's first-team debut in 2016, only three players have recorded more assists in the Premier League.
Image source, Reuters/BBC Sport
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Get Involvedpublished at 13:18 British Summer Time 5 May
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
As a Fulham fan, I hope Liverpool fans give Trent the send off he deserves. He's won more than Gerrard, Carragher etc and they go down as club legends, so it shouldn't even be a debate. He changed the game for full-backs in this country and beyond, and why shouldn't he be able to go and experience football in another country?
Jay, London

Premier League Table

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points	Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first
1 Liverpool	35	25	7	3	81	35	46	82	Result Win Result Loss Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Loss
2 Arsenal	35	18	13	4	64	31	33	67	Result Win Result Draw Result Draw Result Win Result Draw Result Loss
3 Manchester City	35	19	7	9	67	43	24	64	Result Win Result Draw Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Win
4 Newcastle United	35	19	6	10	66	45	21	63	Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Loss Result Win Result Draw
5 Chelsea	35	18	9	8	62	41	21	63	Result Win Result Draw Result Draw Result Win Result Win Result Win
6 Nottingham Forest	35	18	7	10	54	42	12	61	Result Win Result Loss Result Loss Result Win Result Loss Result Draw
7 Aston Villa	35	17	9	9	55	49	6	60	Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Loss Result Win
8 AFC Bournemouth	35	14	11	10	55	42	13	53	Result Loss Result Draw Result Win Result Draw Result Draw Result Win
9 Brentford	35	15	7	13	62	53	9	52	Result Loss Result Draw Result Draw Result Win Result Win Result Win
10 Brighton & Hove Albion	35	13	13	9	57	56	1	52	Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Win Result Draw
11 Fulham	35	14	9	12	50	47	3	51	Result Loss Result Win Result Loss Result Loss Result Win Result Loss
12 Crystal Palace	35	11	13	11	44	48	-4	46	Result Win Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw Result Draw Result Draw
13 Wolverhampton Wanderers	35	12	5	18	51	62	-11	41	Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Loss
14 Everton	35	8	15	12	36	43	-7	39	Result Loss Result Draw Result Win Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw
15 Manchester United	35	10	9	16	42	51	-9	39	Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss
16 Tottenham Hotspur	35	11	5	19	63	57	6	38	Result Loss Result Win Result Loss Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw
17 West Ham United	35	9	10	16	40	59	-19	37	Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Draw
18 Ipswich Town	35	4	10	21	35	76	-41	22	Result Win Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw
19 Leicester City	35	5	6	24	29	76	-47	21	Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Loss Result Win
20 Southampton	35	2	5	28	25	82	-57	11	Result Draw Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Loss

Key

Position 1 - 5 : UEFA Champions League
Position 6 : UEFA Europa League
Position 18 - 20 : Relegation

Last Updated 5th May 2025 at 22:08

Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made.

Reaction, analysis & your views: Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool

Summary

Live Reporting

Bradley can stake his claimpublished at 14:35 British Summer Time 5 May

Get Involvedpublished at 14:27 British Summer Time 5 May

More on Alexander-Arnold's attacking statspublished at 14:24 British Summer Time 5 May

Get Involvedpublished at 14:21 British Summer Time 5 May

Bradley edges duels won, but TAA boasts the better attacking statspublished at 14:15 British Summer Time 5 May

Postpublished at 14:11 British Summer Time 5 May

Could this be Bradley's time?published at 14:09 British Summer Time 5 May

Who do Liverpool have at right-back?published at 14:06 British Summer Time 5 May

Get Involvedpublished at 14:00 British Summer Time 5 May

What are Alexander-Arnold's defensive stats?published at 13:54 British Summer Time 5 May

'The most overrated footballer in England'published at 13:52 British Summer Time 5 May

Get Involved - how do you replace a player like Alexander-Arnold?published at 13:50 British Summer Time 5 May

Alexander-Arnold statement in fullpublished at 13:43 British Summer Time 5 May

Get Involvedpublished at 13:42 British Summer Time 5 May

Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool - the latestpublished at 13:39 British Summer Time 5 May

Postpublished at 13:36 British Summer Time 5 May

How many Premier League chances has Alexander-Arnold created?published at 13:34 British Summer Time 5 May

'They aren’t gonna suddenly drop their captain for him'published at 13:30 British Summer Time 5 May

How many Premier League goals has Alexander-Arnold created?published at 13:23 British Summer Time 5 May

Get Involvedpublished at 13:18 British Summer Time 5 May

Premier League Scores and fixtures

Monday 5th May

Premier League Table

Key