Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move from Liverpool to Real Madrid last summer is still a hot topic, especially after new comments seem to confirm that he planned his exit long before leaving Anfield. Throughout last season, his contract situation dominated the news, with reports claiming he rejected several renewal offers from Liverpool while holding out for better terms.
Rumours linking him to Real Madrid persisted, and many believed he was intentionally letting his contract run down so he could join the Spanish club for free.
While senior players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk regularly addressed their own contract negotiations in interviews, Trent stayed silent — a decision that frustrated fans. Supporters felt the lack of communication and the way he eventually left cost the club financially, considering he was one of Liverpool’s most valuable players.
The doubts only grew during his Real Madrid unveiling in June 2025, when he accidentally stated he had been “waiting a long time” for the transfer, before quickly backtracking and claiming he meant only a couple of weeks. His ability to speak fluent Spanish at the event also suggested he’d been preparing for the move for some time.
Now, ahead of the Champions League showdown between Liverpool and Real Madrid, Trent has again hinted that his decision was made well in advance — and that Jude Bellingham played a major part. Speaking to Amazon Prime (via Liverpool.com), he said that conversations with Bellingham during England camps heavily influenced him, praising the winning mentality and expectations at Real Madrid.
He admitted that he “needed a change” and was looking for a fresh challenge both on and off the pitch.
These comments will not sit well with Liverpool fans, who now feel justified in thinking he had planned the move long before it became public and that the contract drama was used to shift blame onto the club.
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