Anger erupted over the betrayal of 'Sungol Youth,' who has played for over 21 years. Liverpool fans burned the jersey of Trent Alexander-Arnold (27), who stabbed them in the back.
British Sky Sports reported on the 27th (Korea time) that "Alexander-Arnold is contracted with Liverpool until June 30. However, Real Madrid wants to sign him in time for the Club World Cup opening match on June 18."
Alexander-Arnold, whose transfer to Real Madrid is effectively confirmed, is one of the defenders Liverpool has boasted about. He has not changed his jersey since joining the Liverpool youth team in 2004. Since turning professional in 2016, he has recorded 349 matches, 22 goals, and 87 assists.
Alexander-Arnold has served as Liverpool's starting right back based on his tremendous kicking power. He has won championships in all competitions, including the Premier League (PL), UEFA Champions League (UCL), and FA Cup, while also enjoying the team's golden era. He continues to lead the team as a vice-captain this season.
He has also shown his loyalty to Liverpool on several occasions. After being appointed as Liverpool's vice-captain in the summer of 2023, Alexander-Arnold stated, "My goal has always been to be Liverpool's captain. Right now, I am part of that process." Naturally, all Liverpool fans envisioned a future where they continued with Alexander-Arnold.
However, Alexander-Arnold has not signed a re-contract with Liverpool, frustrating fans. Despite his contract expiring in the summer of 2025, no new news has emerged. Last October, he remarked, "Winning the Ballon d'Or is better than winning the UCL." With this, fatigued Liverpool fans began to jeer at Alexander-Arnold, who had been underperforming in matches.
In the end, the worst fears came true. Alexander-Arnold is expected to wear a Real Madrid jersey as a free agent (FA) unless there is a major upset. Prestigious media and journalists in Europe, including the British BBC, Daily Mail, The Athletic, Sky Sports, and Fabrizio Romano, have all reported that Alexander-Arnold is on the verge of a contract agreement with Real Madrid.
Naturally, Liverpool fans cannot hide their feelings of betrayal. According to the Daily Mail, many fans insist that coach Arne Slot should exclude Alexander-Arnold from the team for the remaining season. One fan exploded, stating, "Make sure Alexander-Arnold can't play again. Don't even let him sit on the bench. Don't let him participate in farewell or victory celebrations. Just keep him at home."
A video even surfaced showing Alexander-Arnold's jersey being burned. One fan filmed the back of the Alexander-Arnold jersey being set on fire and shared it on social media. Liverpool fans, instead of mocking, are giving applause.
On the contrary, it is truly a blockbuster signing for Real Madrid. They have managed to acquire Alexander-Arnold, one of the world's top fullbacks, without paying any transfer fee.
According to Romano, Real Madrid clearly informed him to decide whether to accept their offer or stay at Liverpool. And Alexander-Arnold's answer was immediate acceptance. This highlights the stature of Real Madrid.
In fact, Real Madrid has brought in top players through FA signings for some time now. Last summer, they signed Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for free. Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba were also free. Now, Alexander-Arnold is expected to be added.
Thanks to this, the anticipated best 11 for Real Madrid next season has become even more dazzling. 'Transfermarkt' predicts that the starting lineup will be Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ferland Mendy, Rüdiger, David Brooks, Alexander-Arnold, and Thibaut Courtois. While there are only two new faces, Alexander-Arnold and Brooks, it is a super luxury squad.
[Photo] 90MIN, OneFootball, Fabrizio Romano, Sky Sports, Transfermarkt social media.
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