Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘Can’t Recall’ his Worst Performance in a Liverpool Shirt – Report | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Farewell Confirmed – But Real Madrid’s Early Move Left Lasting Scars

In a twist few Liverpool fans could have seen coming when the season began, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s time at Anfield is officially drawing to a close. After weeks of swirling speculation, the 26-year-old confirmed via social media that he will leave the club at the end of the season, ending a two-decade-long journey that took him from Kirkby prodigy to Premier League champion.

But while the timing of his announcement may be measured, the events leading up to it paint a picture of emotional and psychological turbulence behind the scenes.

According to The Daily Mail, Alexander-Arnold confided in friends that he has no memory of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United in January – a match that came just days after Real Madrid launched a surprise £20 million bid for the full-back. The fallout from that approach may have played a significant role in one of the defender’s worst performances in a Liverpool shirt.

“The La Liga side’s bid had a profound effect on the defender that evening and scrambled his head to such an extent that he fails to recall the events of the match,” the article reveals.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Madrid’s Bold Approach

The Madrid offer, though financially modest by elite standards, sent shockwaves through the Liverpool hierarchy and fanbase. Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher didn’t mince his words, saying:

“They’re bullies, Real Madrid. My problem with it is, they have bid on the back of Trent Alexander-Arnold or his agent saying ‘put a bid in’. Because they wouldn’t put a bid in, they wouldn’t do that unless they get the say so.”

While that comment may feel inflammatory to some, it underlines a prevailing sense of betrayal among certain sections of the Anfield faithful. For all his composure on the pitch, it’s clear the off-field noise had begun to seep into Alexander-Arnold’s psyche.

It was Sporting Director Richard Hughes who reportedly made the first move to check on the right-back’s wellbeing after the game, a gesture that “meant a lot” to him and hinted at the human cost of football’s brutal rumour mill.

Emotional Exit From Boyhood Club

On Monday, Alexander-Arnold finally broke his silence.

“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 club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years.”

There was no mention of Madrid in the farewell message. But between the lines, there was clarity: this is not a decision made lightly, nor without emotional weight.

Photo: IMAGO

“This decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.”

Three matches now remain in Trent’s Liverpool journey. It is understood that although no contract has been signed yet, the move to Real Madrid – where he’ll join England teammate Jude Bellingham – is close to completion.

Legacy and Lingered Questions

The Anfield legacy of Alexander-Arnold is already secure: he revolutionised the full-back role, won every major honour available, and helped Arne Slot secure Liverpool’s long-awaited 20th league title in his debut campaign as manager. But how his departure plays out, and how it will be remembered, remains uncertain.

Liverpool, in their official club statement, struck a respectful tone:

“Alexander-Arnold will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success.”

But that line sits in contrast to the sting of January’s trauma and speculation that has hovered since December – with Mail Sport being the first to report Madrid’s growing confidence back then.

There is grace in Trent’s parting words, but wounds – both personal and collective – will take time to heal.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This hurts. Not because a player is leaving – that happens – but because of how it’s happened. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been more than a player to us. He’s been ours. A local lad with a Champions League medal, a Premier League title, and a wand of a right foot.

And yet this Real Madrid bid – this January madness – cast a shadow. How could the club allow such a moment of vulnerability to go unmanaged? If Trent was that affected that he couldn’t remember a match against our fiercest rivals, where was the support? Where was the line drawn to protect him?

And Jamie Carragher’s comments… they’re hard to ignore. If there’s even a fraction of truth to the idea that someone in Trent’s camp encouraged Madrid, it’s a betrayal that stings more than any transfer fee could soothe.

We love this club. We loved Trent. But maybe we expected more loyalty from a lad who was one of us. His words were beautiful – but they can’t erase the bitterness of seeing him in white, lining up with Bellingham, while we’re left filling a hole that’s more than tactical. It’s emotional.