“Trent: ‘Staying at Liverpool was a very real possibility.'”

“Trent: ‘There was an undeniable chance I could have stayed at Liverpool.'”

Trent Alexander-Arnold is poised to leave the Premier League champions to pursue his career elsewhere, but this decision may not have always been inevitable.

In an interview with liverpoolfc.com, the right-back addressed whether he had considered staying at Anfield, saying:

“Absolutely, there was a massive possibility. I’ve always had complete faith in the manager, the staff, and the club’s direction.

“It wasn’t about doubting our ability to compete for titles or trophies year after year. From my very first interactions with the manager, it was clear he was a winner, someone determined to achieve success. That has been evident this season in the way we’ve played.

“My decision wasn’t about a lack of belief in the team or the club—it was about my personal journey. I felt I needed a new challenge, a different environment, to grow both as a person and as a professional.

“It’s something I believe is essential for me as a player at this stage in my career.”

While fans had previously criticized FSG for delays in securing new contracts for players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent, the latter’s comments suggest his departure wasn’t due to any shortcomings from the club but rather a personal desire for change.

Although Trent mentioned a “100% massive possibility” of staying, his ultimate decision highlights that he may have always known what he wanted: a fresh challenge and a new chapter in his career.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sights are firmly set on Real Madrid.”

The 26-year-old hopes his departure doesn’t dampen the joy of Liverpool’s league triumph for the fans—a sentiment that highlights his apparent misjudgment of the situation.

While supporters were left speculating over cryptic exchanges with John Henry, the full-back was already scouting for a new home in Madrid.

You can’t claim to be a “normal lad from Liverpool,” let your contract run down, leave on a free transfer, and then expect universal heartbreak over your departure.

Liverpool has lost an exceptional player, but one who prioritized securing the best deal for himself over the club he professed to love.